How About That Kindness?
Rabbi Harold Kushner, who wrote Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People and When All You’ve Ever Wanted is Not Enough, once said, “When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.”
I have seen this first hand this week as you have reached out to my family with text, emails, phone calls, cards, food and prayers. I have also witnessed immense kindness through family
and friends, and my mother’s sweet neighbors. The compassion and kindness of those near and dear and even from strangers humbles us and helps us all to heal. On behalf of my entire family, thank you.
The Apostle Paul speaks of holy living and how Christians should treat each other in his letter to the Colossians. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave and over
all these virtues put on love that binds them all together in perfect unity (Col 3:12-14). According to Paul’s message, spreading kindness and love, showing grace and understanding, being patient and understanding to everyone (even, and especially those we do not agree with) is what it means for disciples to live holy lives. When we practice these virtues without reservation, it really does change lives and it really can change the world. So regardless of what takes place in the perpetual hamster wheel of 24 hour news, whatever you encounter and endure in your daily lives, keep doing what you do best, Church. Keep spreading kindness like confetti.
Peace, Josie
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