By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Where Kindness Comes From

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 English Standard Version

On a mission trip to Costa Rica, we encountered a group of monkeys who did not want us near their home.  They beat branches and screeched at us.  Sometimes we act like these monkeys.  We get angry when others bother us by intruding into our entitled lives.

Believers understand why we do this.  We are sinners; unloving and uncaring. Where can we find kindness and forgiveness?

The answer is in our Bible verse. Kindness and forgiveness come from God.  Through the death of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, God forgave us.

Why did he forgive us?  Because God is love and he loved us so much.  He also forgave us that we might forgive and show kindness to others.

Lord Jesus, I confess to you that I am selfish and unforgiving.  Thank you that you have forgiven me in Jesus Christ. Give me hope to forgive others.  In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado