Triumph of Kindness in Christ

When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us. Titus chapter 3 verses 4 through 5. Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Our reading, Triumph of Kindness in Christ was written by Arthur Jackson and read by Wes Ward.

1 Peter chapter 3 verses 8 through 12. Finally, all of you, be like-minded. Be sympathetic, love one another. Be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good. They must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Triumph of Kindness in Christ written by Arthur Jackson When Jackie Robinson, the first black player in modern-day Major League Baseball, played at Scheib Park in Philadelphia on May 9, 1947, 10-year-old Doris was in the upper-deck stands with her father. When an elderly black man made his way down the aisle to a seat next to them, her father led the way in getting acquainted. Doris said their conversation about scorekeeping made her feel grown-up.

She later reflected, I've never forgotten that man and his smiling face. The delightful interaction between Doris, a young white girl, and the kind elderly man who was the son of slaves was a bright spot that day. This was in stark contrast, however, to the hateful conduct Robinson had experienced at another game that season. He recounted that in terms of race, they yelled everything at me. It was quite vicious.

Vicious conduct isn't limited to sports fields. Homes, neighborhoods, workspaces, and even our churches can be places where ugliness wins. Those who believe in the God who displayed kindness through His Son, however, are called to do the same. In 1 Peter chapter 3, Peter writes, Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we do thank You for the kindness and mercy that You have showed us in Your Son. Would You help us to reflect Your kindness in every place that we go, repaying evil with love and insults with grace? And would You fill us with Your Spirit so that compassion, humility, and generosity shine through us, bringing Your light to a world in need? Thank You, Lord. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. When are you tempted to be unkind? How have you been the recipient of kindness?