Oh wait, no it doesn’t…
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
(Ephesians 4:32)
Be kind.
Note that I didn’t say it was really easy, but that it was free. It’s not always easy. Paul lumps in kindness with being tenderhearted (compassionate) and forgiving. It’s not always easy to be compassionate, especially when the struggling person is a wicked person, and yet, we are commanded to be compassionate. Not only that, but the compassion we give must be given freely. It shouldn’t cost that wicked person anything for you to be compassionate toward him. Likewise, it’s not always easy to be forgiving, especially when the wrong-doer is a wicked person, and yet, we are commanded to be forgiving. Not only that, but the forgiveness we give must be given freely.
Finally, be kind. The word actually means “to be useful.” We need to put ourselves to “good use” on behalf of others. It’s not always easy, because it demands sacrifice, and sometimes we don’t want to sacrifice for others, especially for unkind people. And yet, we are commanded to be kind. Not only so, but our kindness must also be free. People should receive our kindness, whether they deserve it or not. In fact, it’s not for us to decide who is deserving; that’s for Jesus to determine, and He’s the one who gave us the command.
It doesn’t cost anything to be kind. You have to give it away.
Be kind.
~ Matthew