Be Clothed in Kindness
Many of us have seen the nightly news recently, or read the headlines in the newspaper about the marches taking place nationwide protesting against proposed changes in immigration. Tensions have flared as some folks have loudly stated their opinions about people who have come to the United States from other countries, either legally or illegally.
Through my travels with Rivers of the World (ROW), I have been exposed to many cultures in numerous foreign countries. On a recent trip traveling across Central America, I arrived in the country late and spent the night in a hotel. I awoke the next morning and boarded a bus that traveled across the country, which I had never done before.
I stopped in a hotel, got a room and got something to eat. All along the way, these simple tasks were complicated by the fact that I don’t speak the native language very well. However, at every turn I met a stranger who offered assistance with getting on the bus, finding a hotel room and pointing me in the right direction for a place to eat. I was a foreigner, yet I was greeted with much kindness.
Let us follow the instructions in Colossians 3:12, which say:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
We are very diligent in selecting the clothes we will wear each day for work, school or elsewhere. Are we equally as diligent in clothing ourselves each day in the likeness of Christ, with love, compassion and kindness? Regardless of your circumstances today and in spite of the people who may cross your path, greet everyone this day in kindness.
