MELANIE LEE CAREY
Clergy Assistant to the Bishop
The Rev. Melanie Carey reminds us that “kindness matters.”
Be kind. No exceptions.
A few weeks ago, a friend sent the above quote to me in the mail. I have put it on our fridge and I look at it each morning to remind myself that kindness really does matter. Whether it is in our life, our families, our work, our world, our communities or our churches, kindness matters.
We might be tempted to think that kindness is just being nice and that doesn’t really get us anywhere, but kindness is much deeper than that. Kindness has the power to break down barriers, change hearts and minds and even transform us into the people God calls us to be. Hesed (Chesed) is a Hebrew word that is commonly translated as loving kindness. Hesed is a central theme of the Hebrew (Old Testament) scriptures describing God’s love for humankind.
A look at the scriptures, shows that there are many verses in both the old and new testament which mention the importance of kindness.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Proverbs 3:3
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Colossians 3:12
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ has forgiven you.
On the eve of General Conference, I hope that we will remember that kindness matters. As we come to annual conference this year, I hope that we will remember to be kind. In our local churches, I hope that we will practice kindness, even when we don’t agree with one another. In our families, in our communities, may we be kind. No exceptions.
It is such a simple thing, and yet… In the current political climate and in this world of technology and instant communication we often dwell in ridicule. How we need to change the dialogue that takes place between us.
It starts one person at a time, one message at a time. Kindness matters, when one person is kind, it inspires kindness in others, whether it is paying for someone’s coffee in the drive through lane, allowing a person to merge into your lane in traffic, or letting a loved one know you care, kindness when practiced regularly can change the world.
Consider these wise words on kindness: One kind word can change someone’s entire day. Be the person who makes others feel special be known for your kindness and grace. Kindness is contagious. And this quote from Bob Kerry “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.”
God’s love in Christ calls us to be in love with one another and to show “loving kindness” to others. May others know we are Christians by our love, and our kindness.
The youtube link below is a wonderful song that I found on kindness sung by kids for peace USA. Remember that Kindness matters. Be Kind. No exceptions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8RpTN_DfhU
Last Updated on September 20, 2022