Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone. (Proverbs 25:15)
The Bible verse above isn’t literally possible, and should not be observed in its literal context. It would be silly to think that a tongue could literally break one’s bone. It simply means to set forth the fact that there is a tremendous power in a kind word. Although it may seem insignificant, the verse is trying to convey that the force of kindness in itself is indescribable and powerful. It is not lowly to be kind, in fact being kind requires strength; it is the weak that acts otherwise.
Through observation, “bad words” or vulgarity were the “in-thing” to some while growing up as it’s believed that these words make you “the bigger man.” And often, there would be a comparison of who was more unrelenting during a quarrel. We live in an era where kindness is not appreciated but considered to be demeaning and lowly. As a result, people are cold towards one another and untrusting due to the lack of kindness that has been established.
Has bitterness ever solved a quarrel? More often than not, many can attest that it simply causes and results in more bitterness. These days, especially in the big city, people have an unhealthy tendency toward being self-focused, that it’s either “bite or be bitten.”. Perhaps we ourselves hold the barriers up in this case, when we ought to instead bring them down.
Prior to acting on your impulses during a quarrel, whether it is to be defensive or to strike back after you have been verbally assaulted, listen to the better spirit, that quiet voice that is calling for you to reconsider that matter. Seek Christ’s guidance under these difficult circumstances and in the process, it may actually even improve your health and well-being. There are many positives in being kind.
Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. (Luke 6:28)
More Christians today pray for the “gift of tongues” (which appears so spiritual) or for other blessings than for the grace of kindness. Some Christians even treat their unsaved relatives less kindly after being saved, because they find the behavior of their unsaved relatives to be “unspiritual” but they are ignorant that true Christianity sweetens every relationship. Others concentrate on preaching the Gospel to their loved ones but fail to show evidence of the Gospel through love, that is by showing Christian kindness to them.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
To grow, a new heart is required, one that beats for Christ. This can only happen if we submit wholly to the Holy Spirit who will help us nurture a positive character change that will be reflected in our relationships. The sustaining power of the Holy Spirit, will help you to turn that cruelty into kindness and when that happens, you will be able to walk without bitterness.
Mankind is dying due to the lack of kindness, the lack of knowledge and sight of God’s kindness, and grace that should be shown through each and every one of us. Be gracious to one another for kindness is about stopping at our tracks and becoming aware of what Christ did for us and what He would do if He was in our place. Remember that an act of kindness acts as a ripple effect that unfolds towards the world that surrounds us in our daily lives.
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3: 4-7)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
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Kim Yung
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