1 & 2 Mar 2025 (Pastoral Page) KINDNESS AS ESSENTIAL QUALITY IN COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP

By Asst Ps Lai Keet Keong

Colossians 3:12

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

This verse is a powerful reminder of the virtues that should define the lives of believers, especially in the context of building and nurturing relationships within a community. Among these virtues, kindness stands out as an essential quality that not only reflects the character of Christ but also fosters unity, trust, and love among people. In a world often marked by division, selfishness, and indifference, kindness is a transformative force that can bridge gaps, heal wounds, and create a sense of belonging.

Kindness, as described in Colossians 1, is not merely a superficial act of politeness or a fleeting gesture of goodwill. It is a deliberate choice to embody the love of Christ in our interactions with others. The Greek word for kindness used here is /chrestotes/, which conveys a sense of moral goodness, integrity, and generosity. It is a quality that reflects the very nature of God, who is “kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). As believers, we are called to mirror this divine kindness in our relationships, especially within the community of faith.

One of the most profound ways kindness impacts community relationships is by creating an environment of safety and acceptance. In a community where kindness is practiced, people feel valued and respected, regardless of their background, struggles, or differences. Kindness disarms defensiveness and opens the door for genuine connection. It says, “You matter to me, and I care about your well-being.” This is particularly important in a diverse community where individuals may come from different walks of life, each carrying their own burdens and insecurities. When kindness is present, it becomes easier to extend grace, forgive offenses, and work through conflicts in a way that strengthens rather than fractures relationships.

Moreover, kindness has the power to break down barriers and build bridges. Kindness points people to the love of Christ. It is a tangible expression of the gospel, demonstrating that we are not defined by our differences but by our shared identity as God’s chosen people. When we choose kindness over judgment, generosity over selfishness, and understanding over criticism, we reflect the heart of God and create opportunities for reconciliation and unity. This is especially crucial in a community setting, where misunderstandings and disagreements are inevitable. Kindness allows us to navigate these challenges with grace, ensuring that relationships are not only preserved but also deepened.

However, practicing kindness is not always easy. It requires us to die to our selfish desires and prioritize the needs of others above our own. It demands humility, as we must be willing to set aside our pride and extend grace even when it is undeserved. It calls for patience, as we recognize that growth and transformation take time. Yet, the rewards of kindness far outweigh the sacrifices. When we clothe ourselves with kindness, we not only bless others but also experience the joy and fulfilment that come from living in alignment with God’s will.

There is a poem by James Whitcomb Riley entitles, “God will sprinkle sunshine.” It talks about the beauty of one initiating simple gestures of kindness towards another. Please allow me to share this beautiful poem with you.

“If you should see a fellow-man with trouble's flag unfurled,

And looking like he didn't have a friend in all the world,

Go up and slap him on the back, and holler "How do you do?"

And grasp his hand so warm he'll know he has a friend in you.

Then ask him what's hurting him, and laugh his cares away,

And tell him the darkest night is just before the day.

Don't talk in graveyard whisper, but say it right out loud,

That God will sprinkle sunshine in the trail of every cloud.

This world at best is but a hash of pleasure and of pain;

Some days are bright and sunny, and some all slashed with rain,

And that's just how it ought to be, for when the clouds roll by

We'll know just how to appreciate the bright and smiling sky.

So learn to take it as it comes, and don't sweat at the pores

Because the Lord's opinion don't coincide with yours;

But always keep remembering, when cares your path enshroud,

That God has lots of sunshine to spill behind the cloud.”

My dear friends, Colossians 3:12 reminds us that kindness is not an optional virtue for believers but an essential quality that reflects our identity as God’s chosen people. Therefore, let us commit to cultivating kindness in our hearts and actions, trusting that God will use it to transform our communities and bring glory to His name.

May the Lord bless you with His abundant grace and loving kindness.