Kindness

Scripture Verse that Caught My Attention Today: Romans 2:4b Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

Observation: Kindness is a wonderful thing.

Application: This past weekend was the Northwestern Ohio Synod Assembly, an annual gathering/meeting of people from all the Lutheran Churches (ELCA) in our area. Our bishop leads the proceedings.

One of the things I’ve noticed and appreciated over the years is the manner in which our bishop leads. The same would be true for his predecessor. Almost every year there will be one or two (or sometimes several) well-meaning people who will make points that are either inappropriate in some way (off-topic, out-of-order, demeaning, or what have you) or simply in complete opposition to whatever view the bishop might happen to hold. In each of these cases I’ve been so very impressed with the kindly way in which our bishop has handled such situations. If the comment is out of order from a parliamentary standpoint, he will so rule, but graciously so. If the comment is adversarial, he gives thanks for the opinion and invites others to share their views as well. If a comment is very favorably received (to the point of applause), he cautions the assembly not to offer such gestures so that all might be heard and that one opinion not be esteemed to be more valuable than another. If a comment is condescending to the assembly, he will gently remind us to be mutually respectful of one another out of reverence for Christ.

This, I believe, is the kind of kindness to which the Apostle Paul refers in the verse above. Judgment tends to just bring about judgment in return. Kindness, even in the form of truth in love, has a better chance of success.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for people who model the kindness that you envision for all your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: 1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4, Psalm 98, and Romans 2)