DON'T BE A GRINCH!
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
In the classic Christmas cartoon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a song is sung expounding on the meanness of the Grinch. Perhaps you recall these memorable lyrics,
You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
You really are a heel.
You’re as cuddly as a cactus.
You’re as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch.
You’re a bad banana with a greasy black peel.
Surely none of us wants to be mean like the Grinch, right? But the sad truth is that many people who call themselves Christians are just not all that nice and kind. Their cuddliness and charm are more in line with the Grinch than they are the Great I AM.
KINDNESS COMMUNICATES
The Bible makes it clear that those who are walking by the Spirit exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (note it is called fruit, not fruits). One of the nine pinpointed characteristics of a Spirit-filled life is kindness. If you are really walking with the Lord, you will be kind and friendly to people.
Guy Doud was the 1986 National Teacher of the Year. His testimony is powerful. In it, he shares about the impact a sixth grade teacher, Mr. Card, made on his life. You see, Guy was a shy, fat kid who grew up in a poor family from the other side of the tracks. He was teased quite often and made to feel inferior. Guy wasn’t a Christian, and he didn’t like himself very much. But, God used Mr. Card to plant seeds that would one day grow into salvation for Guy Doud. At the end of his sixth grade year, twelve year-old Guy was asked to write in Mr. Card’s yearbook. He wrote these heartfelt words, “Dear, Mr. Card: Thank you for being so nice to me. Guy Doud.”
Is there someone you can be kind to today? There are hurting people all around us who desperately need to feel noticed, to feel loved and wanted. They need someone to show them kindness.
When I find myself in stores or restaurants or wherever, dealing with strangers, I make it a point to strike up a conversation with my waiter, waitress, cab driver, sales clerk, etc. I want to let them know that they matter, that God loves them … and I do too. I want to shower them with kindness, not criticism and complaining. You see, kindness communicates love. And I always leave a good tip. Nothing betrays your witness for Christ as much as stinginess. And nothing enhances your witness for Christ like generosity. Kind people are generous people.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Perhaps you are a little more cactus-like in your demeanor. Perhaps you tend to be a little gruff, shy and quiet by nature. Ask God to do a work in your heart. Ask Him to make you more like Jesus in this important area. Break out of your comfort zone and give a look, a touch, and an encouraging word to people you meet. Be God’s human agent of kindness. Kindness really does make a difference. It is a powerful way to communicate God’s love. Try it and see.
Love,
Jeff Schreve
www.fromhisheart.org
P.S. If you'd like for us to join you in prayer, visit us at www.fromhisheart.org/prayer.
Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. He and his wife Debbie have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with three wonderful girls. Jeff began From His Heart Ministries, a radio and television ministry, in January of 2005. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no salary from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.
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