Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with…KINDNESS.…”

Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park is filled with women who are hateful, judgmental, and unkind. Living among these women, however, is Edmund, who exemplifies kindness that is pure, selfless, and without ulterior motive. Regardless of the world’s negative influences, we can rise above those and treat others with kindness. Romans 12:8 (NLT) reminds us to model this sort of kindness. “… And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Notice that we are instructed not only to show kindness, but to do it gladly. We can be pressured or made to feel guilty to show kindness to others, but this is not the kindness that pleases the Lord. Women who joyfully treat people with kindness draw others to themselves, but more importantly, they draw others to Christ. They are imitating the kindness of Christ, who reaches down to the hurting and lifts them up to be restored in Him. Be intentional today to find someone who could use a dose of God’s pure kindness.

Today’s Prayer

Father God, we thank you today for your powerful words from Colossians 2, which instruct us to be kind to others. We are most thankful that you are the ultimate example of kindness as you sent your Son to die on our behalf. None of us deserve such an act of kindness. Please help us to reach out in kindness to those who cross our paths today. Fill us with gladness as we are obedient to your desires!

-Jenny Carr