Based on The Fruit of the Spirit Study, by LGG / W3D4
Today’s Road Map for the Journey: Ephesians 4:29-32; SOAP: Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32. NLT
If we want to be kind, we must first “put away” or get rid of everything that stands in the way or in opposition to kindness. Paul shares a whole list of negative attitudes and actions we must eliminate from our lives to truly be able to show kindness to others.
The old saying/song, “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative,” came to mind as I was writing the previous sentence. A good oldie that is described as: “a classic American standard structured like a sermon that encourages listeners to focus on the affirmative.” Warning: it’s one of those that gets in your head and keeps on going.
This Scripture reveals a blanket principle for all people: “…our words always eventually reveal what’s going on inside of us. There’s no such thing as an unimportant act or an unimportant word.”(bibleref.com/Matthew12:36)
“Out of the mouth flows the overflow of the heart,” is another statement that comes to mind…for if my mind and heart are filled with bitterness, rage, and anger, the overflow will not be kindness but harsh words and/or slander. Even if I’m not angry with you, if my mind/heart is saturated with anger, it will control me; it will interfere with, if not completely block, any positive attitudes, actions, and words. (see Bibleref.com)
I’ve known some angry people in my lifetime. They weren’t necessarily angry at “something or someone”; under the right circumstances, they could be kind, helpful, and caring. However, there was almost always an edge about them. Something in life had left them battling bitterness and anger. These attitudes simmered somewhere beneath the surface of their being and seeped into their conversations and demeanor. The littlest thing could set them off, leaving those around them wondering what happened. On the flip side, I have seen how a kind deed or word can make a bad day better or even soften an angry person’s heart and actions. As today’s LGG Journal entry points out, “kindness has a way of doing what nothing else can.”
Paul knew we would need a reason to choose kindness when it felt hard. So he gave us the best one there is. Be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you. It is not because the other person deserves it. It is because you have already been on the receiving end of a kindness you didn’t deserve either. This truth changes everything.Freely given. Completely undeserved. That is the kindness Jesus models for us. And His kindness has the power to change every relationship, room, and heart it touches.
LGG Journal/The Fruit of the Spirit/p98
Response of Prayer
Father, this world, and the people and situations we encounter in it, often give us ample reasons to be bitter and/or angry. But Your Word instructs us to put away bitterness, anger, and other less-than-godly attitudes. Instead, we are to be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as You, through Christ, have forgiven us. It isn’t always easy, but as we have mentioned many times on our journeys, we have been filled with His Spirit and able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us. May kindness define us so others will see Jesus in us. ~Amen and Amen!
Reflection and Application
Is there a relationship in your life where bitterness has quietly taken root? What would it look like to begin the process of choosing kindness and forgiveness in that relationship?
