From the Pulpit: Let your words reflect His love and kindness

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.” -Gal.5:22-23

Have you noticed how often incivility seems to be present in every day American life? From road rage to crabby store clerks, from insolent students to political candidates, incivilities of word and deed seem to abound. Where is kindness taught? Where is gentleness offered as the order of the day? If nowhere else, it should be taught in Christ’s church, and in the homes of those who follow Jesus.

Jesus taught his disciples to be “wise as serpents”, but also to be as “gentle as doves.” Proverbs 15:1 asserts: “A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

The Apostle Paul wrote the words above to a young and struggling church in Galatia. His intent was not to be a Pollyanna idealist, but to establish some common guidelines in order for the people of God to live together in community.

Kindness is contagious. Gentleness is inviting. The life of a Christian is like a window through which a non-believer can hopefully capture a glimpse of the Risen Christ.

Think about your words. They have tremendous power to reflect the love and grace of the Savior. Kindness and gentleness seem to be passed at times. Yet, they never go out of style in welcoming a hungry world to “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

God bless your life in Christ. Let your words reflect His love and kindness.