Part 6 – “Kindness”

Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness . . . ”

The Christmas season suggests family, lights, carols, food, gifts, warmth, love, and peace on earth. These are the things depicted in TV commercials and they are what we all dream about and hope for when we think of Christmas. But, what about the traffic, crowds, long lines, and rushing around, that we experience at this time of year? What about the heartbreak and disappointment that many of us are dealing with amid all the hustle and bustle? Instead of peace, we feel anxiety and fear that our expectations will not be met. Some of us fear the drama that may show up at the family gathering. Some of us face not having a family gathering at all or knowing that one of our children will be missing.

Being kind does not always come naturally for me, especially when I am stressed out or disappointed. And nothing brings out my unkindness like the busyness and expectation of Christmas. I know that as a believer in Jesus, I am called to be kind to everyone. However, I’m ashamed to admit that kindness is not always my first response. I want so badly to be kind in all my interactions and relationships, but I don’t always succeed. Why is it sometimes so difficult?

2 Corinthians 6:6 says, “We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, and our kindness by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.” That’s it! That’s the answer! On my own I am powerless to be kind in difficult circumstances. It is only when I open myself up and tap into the power of the Holy Spirit, that kindness becomes easier because it is not just an outward behavior I am trying to change on my own, but it is coming from the inside and it’s sincere and it’s real.

This Christmas I am going to work on being kind to everyone who comes across my path. Whether it’s the family member who has hurt me or the person who cuts in front of me in line at the store, my earnest desire is to display the loving kindness of my Savior. Jesus has been so good to me, and I want to honor Him by reflecting what Proverbs 31:26 says, “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” My prayer for this Christmas and as we head into 2020 is that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, kindness will be my first response in all situations and circumstances.

by Cathy Taylor