2 Timothy 1:10
Now Christ Jesus has come to show us the kindness of God. Christ our Savior defeated death and brought us the good news. It shines like a light and offers life that never ends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There’s a lot of talk this weekend about the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the tragedy that unfolded in New Orleans five years ago. Many of us were glued to our televisions, feeling so sad for the people who were there and wondering how on earth this happened in America in 2005. A lot of us donated money to the American Red Cross and other organizations that were providing relief and assistance. If you were like me, you prayed for those who were trapped in New Orleans and/or trying to get out … the rescue workers who made it there to help … and all of those who suffered losses – family members, homes, pets, and some their very lives.
Believe it or not, even today there are those who say that Hurricane Katrina was the result of God’s wrath on a “wicked city”. Some people actually believe in a God who operates – at least at times – in unkindness. Honestly, to believe this is to fail to believe in salvation through Jesus Christ. Yes, sinful behavior – including yours and mine – grieves God. But I don’t think God considers New Orleans – or its people – to be more “wicked” than those living anywhere else. And while God could easily wipe out New Orleans and its people … or Heber Springs or our entire country, for that matter … He operates much differently.
Sometimes God allows us to feel uncomfortable for a season, so that we draw closer to Him. And even following Hurricane Katrina, many who live there will tell you that good things have come to the people of New Orleans. Yes, a lot of people in the Gulf are still suffering and struggling five years later, but blessings have been seen and experienced on every street corner. And they come from the kindness of God … and the kindness of His children toward one another. Does the old adage about catching more flies with honey than vinegar ring a bell?
If you stop and think about it, you have given God every reason to be unkind toward you … to punish you and cause all manner of disaster to rain down upon you. But does this happen? Oh, you may feel persecuted from time to time, but truly, God is not operating in unkindness toward us. And as Christians, we must follow His lead. We must treat others with kindness and compassion. We must watch not only what we do, but what we say. And saying that God brought Hurricane Katrina to punish the people of New Orleans for their wicked ways is neither true nor kind.
Today, I want us to think about our thoughts, actions, and comments. I want us to check ourselves and see if we are showing the kindness of God to others as Christ shows it toward us. Are we shining like a light for Christ and sharing His Good News with others? Are we operating in kindness and compassion, and honoring the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us on the cross? Isn’t it time we started? Ask God to help you – to show you how to operate more in the realm of kindness toward others. And say a prayer for the people of New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast this weekend … and ask God to bless them as they continue to rebuild.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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