In a World Where You Can Be Anything…
Published Apr 23, 2021
By Deb Burma
In these turbulent times in our world, you’ve likely seen this catchphrase — maybe multiple times?! –> “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.“ And it has some merit, right?! After all, it sounds a lot like the first part of this verse. It’s certainly sound, wise advice. And it reminds me of a mommy’s words of correction to her child: “Be Nice!” (Insert Mama’s raised voice, following a sibling squabble.)
It’s a command we need to hear, because our sin would have us be anything BUT nice or kind. Our hearts are far from tender, and all-too-often hardened against those who have hurt us or others.
Even against those who don’t think like us.
And certainly against those who don’t desire or deserve forgiveness.
“Be kind” may be the furthest thing from our minds.
So where does that leave us? On our own, incapable. Stuck. Unable. (Maybe even unwilling.) But we are NOT left on our own. Read this verse again, letting your eyes rest on the last portion: “…as God in Christ forgave you.” God came to us, forgiving us even when we were unkind and hard-hearted. He traded our hearts of stone for hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26) and filled us with faith, by the power of His Spirit.
His forgiving power rests upon us, even now. In response to Christ’s saving, sacrificial love, and by His work in us, we can:
💛Be kind.
💛Tenderhearted.
💛Forgiving.
Ask God for His strength and grace today, that you may be able to forgive someone. 🙏🏼That you may show that same person kindness. 🙏🏼 That you may approach him or her with a tender heart, loving like Jesus does. 🙏🏼
There’s still merit to the popular phrase, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” But it no longer leaves me, for one, with a knot in my stomach, since I fail so often on my own. I’m reminded by this verse that I’m NOT on my own. I’m forgiven. I’m free: capable, UNstuck, able. (Even willing. 😊) Reading the catchphrase in light of the Gospel, and empowered by the One who has forgiven me, I can, by God’s grace, BE KIND!
In a world where people need Jesus more than anything, Lord, let them see Jesus in me! In His name. Amen.💛
