Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

I see it almost every day. Someone on the street, in the grocery store, walking toward me with a slogan on their t-shirt: “Be Kind”.

This is an excellent slogan, and something that has sprung up in the last few years. Sometimes it’ll say kindness” or “practice kindness”, there are probably other variations, but have you noticed? Kind is cool!

I love it especially when I see children with that logo on their shirt. It makes my heart glad that parents are teaching kindness to their children.

I wonder, do these folks know that kindness was “cool” back in the early days of Christianity? Actually, the word “kindness” appears 56 times in the Old and New Testaments. Frequently verses are talking about the kindness of God, how God has lavished an abundance of love on God’s children, even when we probably didn’t deserve it.

Other times, like in this passage from Colossians, we are encouraged to practice kindness in our daily lives. Quite literally, Paul is encouraging us to clothe ourselves in it. And today millions of people are! As far as fashion trends go, this is one of my favorites. Do you own a “be kind” shirt? I don’t, but I think I’ll get one. Kindness is guaranteed to never go out of style.

Is that true? I certainly hope so. I think the prevalence of “be kind” merchandise is a direct response to what has become an unkind world. The news and social media are fond of showing very unkind actions from the occasional “Karen” in a convenience store, or a politician at a news conference. If we want evidence of unkindness, it takes only a few seconds for us to find it.

And so, typical folks like you and I have responded with those two words: Be Kind. It’s a simple sentiment, but a powerful one. And even for those who don’t know it, it is a distinctively Christian ideal. So, kudos to those who make this statement, and even bigger kudos for those who practice it in their daily lives.

Take it from Paul, your life in Christ can be a testament to the whole world, just by

wearing kindness on your sleeve.

Have a great week,

Mitch