In our series on leadership attributes, we now look at kindness. All Christians should demonstrate kindness as it is a fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul tells us what the fruit of the Holy Spirit is:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
I was recently reading the daily devotional reading in Tabletalk magazine, something I have done daily for many years. That article stated that kindness should increase in proportion to the amount of authority and power leaders have. Kindness is especially important for leaders since the Bible warns authority figures not to be harsh with those whom they lead (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:19). The article goes on to say that kindness does not mean that hard words are never necessary. It does mean that when offering correction leaders should seek to build up and not to tear down. Continue reading
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A Prayer for an Election Season: To Be Kind to One Another
Our Father in Heaven,
We thank you that our country has free and safe elections. Although we often take that for granted, we know that this is so different from those who live in Russia, China and other countries around the world.
In 2024, we will again have the opportunity to vote for the candidates who best align with our beliefs and values, which are shaped by your word. The issues of the economy, crime, our southern border, and the lives of the unborn are among those most important to voters. I have friends and family members who believe very differently about these issues than I do. We may also have members of our church that believe differently on these issues than we do. Some find it difficult to maintain friendship or fellowship with those who have different political beliefs than they do. In some cases, families may have been split, friendships ended and fellowship broken.
Father, how are we to navigate these times when so many are divided over the most important issues, and taking an opposing view can lead us to think of those on the “other side” as enemies? Continue reading