"Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." – REV. JOHN WATSON (aka Ian MacLaren)
I appreciate this quote, and it helps delay my increasingly common outbursts of self-righteousness. It's easy for me to criticize others, partly because I don't want to see my own faults. The Bible says a number of things about this: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matt. 7:1-2). "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). We're all broken people whether we admit it or not. We've all been wounded on the field of life's battles.
This is an important, vital, reminder to me as I struggle through some of the cultural issues confronting me and my fellow Evangelicals these days. Whether it's next year's elections, the economic woes, the "gay agenda," or the environment -- or a combination of these things -- there is very little common ground and a whole lot of mutual loathing. It's easy to condemn the other side, isn't it? Much easier than listening. Much easier than accepting the insults that accompany valid points. Much easier than having to change my opinions or beliefs.
Kindness is rarely observed in the public arena these days. Political candidates are forced to attack, not just the opposing side, but even fellow candidates from their own party. If you don't have "fire in your belly" or pledge to "fight for the people" (i.e. whoever you happen to be addressing), then clearly you aren't electable. Of course, having "fire in one's belly" usually means nasty ulcers, and fighting often brings bruises and lumps. I kinda feel sorry for politicians. Why do they want such a life?
But for the Christian, kindness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit living within us (see Gal. 5:22), a Christ-like quality that involves an attitude of empathy and forbearance. It's based on this simple realization: "If everyone I meet is going through battles similar to mine, then why shouldn't I treat them as I would want them to treat me? I don't want to be despised, so why should I despise them?" If our real enemies are "spiritual forces of darkness" (see Eph. 6:12), then our human adversaries usually are unknowing victims who are in even worse shape than we are. As a Christian, I know where and Who to go to for help and power -- they don't. If it's God's kindness that leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4), then surely I need to reflect that same kindness to others whether they deserve it or not. I don't deserve God's mercy, but that's what He shows me. And that's what He wants me to show others.
