Hope Reflected

Encouragement and Hope from God's Word

best Bible verses Archive

Monday

8

May 2017

Hope Reflected | Wisdom | 5 Characteristics of the Wise

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

wisdom 5 characteristics of the wise

Wisdom | 5 characteristics of the wise

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) Defined as the “capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends; sometimes, less strictly, sound sense, especially in practical affairs,” wisdom has been sought after for ages.

The word wisdom is used 234 times throughout the Bible (54 times in the book of Proverbs alone). Wisdom is an incredibly important virtue that is imperative to living a fulfilling and godly life. People often confuse wisdom with knowledge when in fact the two are completely different. Knowledge is the gathering and learning of facts and information while wisdom is understanding which of those facts and pieces of information are true, and how those facts and information apply to one’s life. Ironically, Jimi Hendrix described the difference like this: “Knowledge speaks but wisdom listens.”

As Christians, we are called to seek after wisdom and pursue it. Throughout the Bible we read of several examples of wise – and unwise – men and women and the role that wisdom – or a lack thereof – played in each one of their lives. There are several telltale characteristics of a wise person:

  1. Wise people heed instruction. “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” (Proverbs 13:1) Wise people accept constructive criticism and grow from it; they listen to the advice of their elders who’ve “been there and done that”. As my Mum once told me, “You can learn from your mistakes, or you can learn from the mistakes of others and then choose not to make the same mistakes yourself.” Wise people consider, and follow instruction. “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.” (Proverbs 19:20).
  2. Wise people listen. “A wise man will hear,” (Proverbs 1:5), “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15) If you’re wise, you’ll take the time to listen. The struggle is real, am I right?! Sometimes everything in me wants to speak when really what I need to do is listen. If you’re struggling to listen, remember the old adage: “If you seek wisdom, be silent.” “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace.” (Proverbs 17:28).
  3. Wise people plan ahead. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” (Proverbs 14:1) You’ve likely heard of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. In Proverbs 14:1 we’re told of the wise woman who builds her house. At the time this Proverb was written, women were very involved in the managing and planning of their husbands’ estates (for more on this, read Proverbs 31). Whether you’re a woman or a man, if you’re living wisely, you’re working your best to provide for your family, to improve their lives, not just for now, but for the future as well.
  4. Wise people encourage one another. “The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:21) The book of Proverbs is filled with examples of guarding your tongue and thinking before you speak. Wise people encourage, exhort, and uplift those around them. They build others up rather than tear them down. They act with discernment and want to have good relationships (see also Proverbs 11:12).
  5. Wise people work hard and save. “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established.” (Proverbs 24:3) You build up for yourself and for your family through wise and prudent management, and by working diligently. Proverbs 10:4-5 says, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.”

There are so many characteristics of people who are wise, perhaps most especially that they consistently pursue that very virtue. Charles Spurgeon once said that wisdom is “the right use of knowledge.” Use your knowledge to discern what is truly important in this world, and eternity. If you’re searching for wisdom, ask God. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

Originally published as “Wisdom | 5 characteristics of the wise.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 16, 2017: 7. Print.

Monday

1

May 2017

Hope Reflected | 5 Reasons You Should Read the Bible

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

5 reasons to read the Bible Hope Reflected

5 reasons you should read the Bible

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was to read my Bible everyday. Even if it was only a Psalm or Proverb, picking up God’s Word each day is just as important as eating. In fact, the Bible is food for the spirit. Without it, our spirits will starve. Just as you wouldn’t go driving off across the country without your GPS (or map if you’re old-school), neither should you start each day without first feeding from the Bible. The Bible is a compass for our spirits and nourishment for our souls.

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” You may think the Bible’s not for you, or it’s not relevant for where you’re at in life or what you’re going through. On the contrary! More than any self-help book or how-to guide, the Bible is factually, historically, and scientifically correct and without error. If you’re wondering what the Bible could possibly do to help you, check this out:

  1. The Bible provides practical answers to life’s questions. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all men liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Where do I turn when my heart is broken? Check out Psalm 34:18. What should I do when someone has hurt me? Read Matthew 6:14-15. Why does it seem like nothing I do is ever good enough? See Galatians 6:9. Where can I go to get help for my marriage? Head on over to Ephesians 5:22-33. What should I do when I’m worried? Read Philippians 4:6. I could go on. God’s Word is the place where you’ll find all the answers that you need.
  2. The Bible provides strength and encouragement. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” (Isaiah 40:29) Strength is mentioned more than 360 times throughout the Bible. King David relied on God’s Word for strength throughout his life, and even said as much in Psalm 119:28: “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.” If you’re looking for strength and encouragement, the Bible is filled with amazing truths that will strengthen and encourage you. A great place to start is in the book of Psalms or Proverbs.
  3. The Bible provides proper perspective, clarity, and focus. “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130) In some versions the word entrance is defined as unfolding; when you take the time to unfold and open God’s Word, He’ll provide you with proper clarity and focus. Reading the Bible is a great way to reflect, and the Bible provides you with the proper focus. Getting into God’s Word as the start to your day will put your mind in the right place to face the issues of the day; getting into God’s Word before you go to bed at night will clear your mind and help you sleep.
  4. The Bible provides instruction and correction. “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from the days of adversity.” (Psalm 94:12) If you’re looking for a guide for your moral compass, the Bible is it. God’s Word provides instruction and guidelines on every topic, from child-rearing and best business practices to managing your finances and maintaining healthy relationships. The Bible also provides correction – be prepared when you read the Bible that it’s not for the faint of heart (see Proverbs 15:32). The Bible tells the truth, and calls wrong wrong and right right.
  5. The Bible provides the truth. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:1-5) There is no other “holy” book out there that contains the scientifically or historically accurate facts that the Bible does. Don’t believe it? Look at the scientific calculations in the Bible, review the detailed prophecies shared in the Bible, and check the historical accounts that the Bible details. All the details are accurate. The Bible is truth.

In essence, the Bible is God’s love letter to you and I. It shares of this world being created, how you and I came to be, and how God sent His only Son to die on the cross to save you and I from our sins. Whether you like it or not, you and I are the clay; He is the potter (Isaiah 64:8). When you take the time to get into God’s Word, He’ll speak to you through it. Don’t take my word for it; read the Bible for yourself! “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Originally published as “5 reasons you should read the Bible.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 23, 2017: 8. Print.

Friday

24

March 2017

Hope Reflected | The power of the tongue

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

power of the tongue james 3:8

The power of the tongue

One thing that we all have in common is that at some point or another, each one of us, – inevitably, – is going to say something we don’t mean. You may make a comment in the middle of an argument, or maybe it will be something you say behind someone’s back, or perhaps you’ll speak words to someone that just don’t come out right. Or, as Wes experienced this past week, you may say something about a complete stranger that you instantly regret. The tongue. At some point in each one of our lives, our tongues are going to hurt someone else and cause us trouble.

The problem with the tongue is that once you say something, you can’t take it back. James 3:5 tells us, “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” We all need to learn how to guard our tongues and watch our mouths.

There’s the old saying that goes, “God gave us mouths that close and ears that don’t so that should tell us something.” It’s so true, isn’t it? How often we speak words in haste when really we should be just as quick to listen. I write that quickly, like it’s no big deal and easy to do, when the reality is more often than not quite different. I struggle at least a couple of times a day to listen when everything in me wants to interrupt. It’s like, sometimes when someone else is speaking and telling me something, the time I should be spending listening to them, I’m actually formulating my response to them in my head. That’s not right. We are called to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19) Don’t underestimate the power of the tongue.

  1. Once you say it, you can’t take it back. “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.” (Proverbs 12:18) Like the toothpaste leaving the tube analogy, once you speak words, you can’t “un-speak” them. That’s why it’s so important to consider our words before saying them aloud.
  2. Actions speak louder than words. “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) There’s the saying that goes, “You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.” The way you live is just – or more – important than the words you speak. There is no such thing as a part-time Christian. Living a life that is pleasing to God happens every day of the week, every where, – whether you’re in the barn or in the office, – authentic Christian living does not just happen on Sundays while you’re in church.
  3. Take a step back; give it some time. “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3) If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to take a step back before you react. I’ve learned the hard way – and learned several times, actually – that in the heat of the moment is the wrong time to hit the ‘send’ button on that reactive email or to say something out of spite. Usually, the best practice is just to sleep on it. Give yourself some time to cool off before you answer anyone in a heated tone. “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace.” (Proverbs 17:28)
  4. It’s never too late to apologize and ask forgiveness. “’Yet even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘Return to Me with all your heart.” (Joel 2:12) In earthly terms, words can be forgiven but not forgotten. But God, when we truly repent, He forgives and God has the ability to wash our slate clean and make us white as snow. If we’re truly reflecting a life lived for Him, we’ll seek forgiveness to those we’ve wronged through our words (and our actions). It’s never too late to seek forgiveness, and you might be surprised how well received a sincere apology will be.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” James 3:7-8 shares that “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue.” It may be small, but the tongue is a mighty weapon. May each of our words speak love and truth.

 

Originally published as “The power of the tongue.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 9, 2017: 8. Print.

Monday

13

March 2017

Encouragement | Psalm 103 | Forget not all His benefits

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

Psalm 103:2 encouragement Forget not all His benefits

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

(Psalm 103: 2-5)

One of my favourite Psalms, Psalm 103, was written by David and is a twenty-two verse song of praise for the LORD’s mercies. One of my favourite parts of this psalm is in verse two, when David says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

Forget not all His benefits.

It is so easy to forget about God’s blessings. More often than not, we’re more apt to express momentary gratitude for God’s blessings and then lapse back into our bad attitudes, when in reality we would do ourselves a great favour by consistently living an attitude of gratitude.

Consider the children of Israel, who we read about in Old Testament. They would frequently forget God’s blessings, and spent forty years wandering in the wilderness as a result of their complaining and grumbling. What about us? We can get so caught up in our everyday challenges that we neglect to give God praise. We put our focus on what’s going wrong and we forget to give attention to everything that’s right. Imagine what would happen if we took every negative thought captive and focused on counting our blessings!

Forget not all His benefits!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:

(Psalm 103:2)

 

Friday

10

March 2017

Hope Reflected | Bitterness

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

 

bitterness

 

Cain and Abel. Saul and David. Hillary and Donald (OK maybe not so much the latter as Hillary did handle herself gracefully after Donald won the election). Bitterness. It dates back as early as the book of Genesis, and it’s still consuming people to this very day.

Just saying the word sounds sharp. Bitterness blinds, blocks, hurts, and steals. Like its cousin comparison, bitterness is a thief. If you let it creep in, bitterness will steal your joy. You may think you’re above being bitter, but guess what? You’re not. Who can blame you? That person last week who gave you a back-handed compliment, you’re right! It was rude and it wasn’t fair. That person who purposefully tried to sabotage you and throw you under the bus? Of course you feel completely justified in not speaking to them. Bitterness. It’s the antithesis of sweetness.

Last week when I came home ranting and raving about some rude comments that someone made, Wes (almost always the voice of reason) reminded me that while others may speak out of spite or selfishness, as Christians we’re called to be careful about our reactions. While it may be tempting for me to get upset, or to carry hard feelings, ultimately the only person that it’s going to hurt, is me.

Here’s what I know about bitterness:

  1. Bitterness makes you lonely.
  2. Bitterness hurts other people.
  3. Bitterness hurts you more than it hurts other people.
  4. Bitterness blinds your eyes to beauty.
  5. Bitterness bars your soul from love.

When it’s put like that, bitterness kind of loses its attractiveness, doesn’t it? So when we’re feeling wronged or like someone’s hurt us, or like the situation we’re in just won’t get better, what should we do instead of becoming bitter?

 

  1. Pray about it. “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25) Is it another person or a certain situation that’s caused you to feel bitter? Pray about it! Take it to the Lord and pray for the person who hurt you, and pray for the situation of which you’re in the middle. Pray that God will help you forgive and move forward.
  2. Put your faith and hope in God and trust His power. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) No matter who hurt you, and no matter how huge that situation you’re in may seem, God is bigger. Seriously. He made the sun, moon and stars. He is the One Who knows every grain of sand and every bird of the sky. He created you. Though you may not know it – or think it – He’s got a reason for everything (Isaiah 55: 8-9).
  3. Focus on the good – and right – things. “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) Don’t let your mind go where it shouldn’t. Is it easy? Not always! Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to focus on the negative, but harbouring bitterness will only hurt you. When you catch yourself focusing on the negative, bring it back and focus on the good.
  4. Let go, and let God. “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21) Only the Lord can free you from your bitterness, so it’s only by seeking Him that you will ever be free from your bitterness.

Don’t get bitter; give it to God and get better. As Dave Willis says, “Bitterness and love can’t live together in the same heart. Each day, we must decide which one gets to stay.”

Originally published as “Bitterness.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 2, 2017: 8. Print.

Monday

6

March 2017

Encouragement | Rest | Matthew 11:28

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matthew 11:28 encouragement rest

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

You know how sometimes Monday morning can roll around and you wonder how on earth you’re going to make it through another week?

More often than not, it seems that each of us has too much going on, that we’re always running from place to place, just trying to get things done. While we’re busy being busy, it can be so easy to forget that there is One who sees all and knows all. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” There is no rest like the rest that Christ provides. There is no peace apart from Him.

You may recall in Isaiah 40:31 we are promised that “those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

A.W. Tozer once said, “Sometimes when we get overwhelmed, we forget how big God is.” No matter how much is going on this week, or how many tasks you have on your to-do list, fix your eyes on our Lord Jesus Christ, and He will give you rest.

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Wednesday

22

February 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | Faith

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

faith

“Faith does not make things easy; it makes things possible.” Luke 1:37

We know from reading the book of Hebrews that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Facts about faith:

Prayer, fellowship, and quality time in God’s Word are the essentials of a strong faith.

Trust, assurance, confidence, and a firm foundation in Christ are the results of a strong faith.

Looking to strengthen your faith and your relationship with God? Get into His Word. Having a relationship with God doesn’t always make things easy, but it makes them possible.

“Faith does not make things easy; it makes things possible.” Luke 1:37

 

Wednesday

15

February 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | A Firm Foundation

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

firm foundation wednesday wisdom a purposeful life is built on a foundation more than mere possessions

“A purposeful life is built on a foundation stronger than mere possessions.”

A few weeks ago, my Wednesday Wisdom post resonated with many of you. I heard several comments from several readers who agree with the adage that “when you love what you have, you have everything you need”. An attitude of gratitude certainly is one of the components to a joy-filled life. On another, deeper level, we also have to realize that in order to live a purposeful (or purpose-filled) life, we need to build our lives on a foundation that’s stronger than mere possessions.

Life isn’t about how much ‘stuff’ you have; life is more than an accumulation of ‘things’. Each of us was created for a unique purpose, and until we start building on the foundation that God formed us and created us and has a plan for us, we’ll just be wandering through this life without real purpose.

You may think that love, or success, or even sunshine and warm weather, will help you live the life you want to live, however without the proper foundation, ultimately your life will amount to nothing. As we’re told in 1 Timothy 6:7, “After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.” Your life is about more than mere possessions.

A purposeful life is built on a foundation stronger than mere possessions. What foundation are you building on?

 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” Matthew 7: 24-27

Monday

6

February 2017

20 “But God” Verses of Encouragement

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

20 But God verses of encouragement

If you’re feeling down, sad, small, lonely, afraid, brokenhearted, or like everything (and everyone) is working against you, remember this: God created you for a purpose that only you can fulfill, and God, He’s in control.

Yes, sometimes people will do things with the wrong intentions, in an attempt to cause you problems, to purposefully hurt you, or to set up stumbling blocks in your life. Yes, you will have bad days, sad days, and mad days. Yes, you may endure seasons (sometimes back to back to back) where it feels like you’re carrying the weight of the world.

When I’m in need of encouragement, or even a reminder of Who’s really in control, I look up some of the greatest verses in the Bible — the “But God” verses.

“But God”, you ask? Yes! Some of the most incredible plot twists in the Bible happen with two words: But. God. Here are 20 of the best “But God” verses to encourage you today:

  • Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
  • Exodus 13:18 “But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea; and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.”
  • Deuteronomy 23:5 “…but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.”
  • 1 Samuel 23:14 “And Saul sought him [David] every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.”
  • 1 Kings 5:4 “But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.”
  • Psalm 49:15 “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.”
  • Psalm 66:19 “But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.”
  • Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart faith: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
  • Psalm 75:7 “But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
  • Psalm 86:15 “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
  • Jeremiah 10:10 “But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath shall the earth tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.”
  • Matthew 19:26 “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”
  • Mark 2:7 “Who can forgive sings but God only?”
  • Mark 10:27 “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things possible.”
  • Luke 16:15 “…but God knoweth your hearts.”
  • Acts 7:9 “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him.”
  • Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
  • 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
  • 1 Corinthians 3: 7 “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
  • Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Friday

3

February 2017

Hope Reflected | 3 ways to be kind: Words of truth from the book of Ephesians

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

3 ways to be kind: Words of truth from the book of Ephesians hope reflected

3 ways to be kind: Words of truth from the Book of Ephesians

If you’ve been anywhere on social media, you’re aware of the whirlwind of emotions that people have been feeling leading up to – and during – the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States. Self-proclaimed political pundits, Wes and I were especially interested in the events of the past week, in which we realized the dawn of a new era. Some think that the new President is bad news, others think he’s a breath of fresh air; no matter what you’re feeling about the new President, pretty much everyone has an opinion.

With recent political happenings, it’s been interesting to see and hear the reactions of friends on both sides of the border. One thing is glaringly clear: In the midst of opening up about opinions, people need to learn how to express their thoughts without discriminating and showing intolerance. Too often, the people crying out for justice and equality are the very ones unwilling to demonstrate those same virtues to others of differing opinions.

In reading the book of Ephesians, a book in the Bible the basis of which is the unity of the Church, I am moved by the many practical examples that the book of Ephesians shows of how to cultivate kindness in everyday life.

Each of us could do with more kindness – both on the giving and receiving ends. To cultivate kindness in your own life, consider these three ways to be kind:

  1. Practice patience. “Be patient.” Ephesians 4:2 In the KJV, ‘longsuffering’ is the word. Longsuffering is defined as “having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people”. It’s not always easy to be patient with others – when you’re working on a deadline, when the kids are goofing off instead of doing what you asked, when you’re feeling anxious – but we need to show grace to others (as well as ourselves).
  2. Show compassion. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 In some versions the word ‘tenderhearted’ is replaced with ‘compassionate’, and here’s what that means: To be tenderhearted or compassionate means to be concerned for others, and to be sympathetic. Rather than looking in all the time and being concerned with your own best interests, get into the practice of looking out (and up!) and try putting others first. It can be as simple as opening a door for someone or letting a car cut in front of you in traffic.
  3. Stand firm. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” Ephesians 6:14 Many people have a misconception that being kind means you have to be weak or let yourself get walked over by others who have a stronger voice than you. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Being kind requires us to stand firm in what we believe. You’ve heard the saying, “speak the truth in love,” and when you’re cultivating kindness, you’re speaking the truth, in love, standing firm on what you know to be true.

We don’t have to agree on everything – or anything, for that matter – to be kind to one another. Remember, you are always responsible for how you act, no matter how you feel. Don’t underestimate how even the smallest of kind actions can impact the life of another. As Mark Twain said, “Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Wherever you are, cultivate kindness.

Originally published as “3 ways to be kind: Words of truth from the book of Ephesians.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. January 25, 2017: 7. Print.

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