It's good advice beyond the coffee mug or social media meme, should we choose to go deeper. Because it reminds us that we, as a society and as individuals, don't always choose that route.
But... We can.
We can, when we see a divisive post, scroll past it without adding snarky comments.
We can, when we feel wronged, seek reconciliation instead of revenge.
We can, even in the midst of our political and ideological differences, choose to discourse on issues rather than fire off personal spiteful attacks.
We can, when we see a need in our community, try to find a way to meet it.
Ah... But there's the catch! 'when we see a need' - this suggests that we look beyond ourselves, beyond our perceptions, beyond our understanding. It indicates a desire to connect, to engage, to be open.
There's a vulnerability to extending kindness: it may not be wanted, or what we consider to be our offering may not be appropriate to the recipient.
But for us to be kind is not just an outward act; it is an inward one as well. It invites us to move beyond our own thoughts, and desires, and individualism, into an intentional connection... Regardless of whether we know them or like them or agree with them. For if all we see are differences, that's all we will continue to experience; and as our hearts harden the opportunity for kindness decreases. But when we open our eyes to the world around us, and see it all as a manifestation of God's grace, our hearts can open, and a little bit more love will flow out. And we can remember that whoever is in our midst is a person loved by God (as much as we are).
Matthew 7.12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Let's be kind to one another, for the love of God.
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