As Christians, we are supposed to give off the aroma of Jesus wherever we go, but what is that aroma?
“The profound nature of kindness is not a swap; it’s not I’m going to be kind in order to be thanked.
According to Barry Corey, President of Biola University, we can’t rely on a positive response to motivate our kindness.
“Sometimes our kindness gets the cold shoulder, sometimes it gets the shaking fist, sometimes it gets the finger, but that’s okay because if we are kind in order for it to be reciprocated that is a timid and weak kindness. Sometimes our kindness will get accepted, sometimes it’ll get rejected, but it’ll never be forgotten.”
Experiences of kindness sticks with people. What does that look like in the local church? Barry says it looks like reaching beyond the church walls.
It is important for all Christians to be willing to interact with people who are different then they are.
“If heaven, the great supper has those from every tongue, tribe, and nation. How do we reverse engineer that and make our tables look like that today.”
We should constantly be pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones asking God to use us to further His Kingdom.
How can we teach our children kindness?
As Christians, we shouldn’t only form relationships with people who share our exact beliefs and convictions. God has called us to something greater.
“For the rising generation, we need to make sure that younger Christians are leaning into forging relationships, building alliances, initiating collaborations with those who might think radically different than they do.”
It is possible to have a healthy friendship with someone whose deeply held convictions are much different than ours, and who knows, God might use you to bring them to Himself.
