Kind & Helpful

“Hey, does God ask us to help our enemies when they need help or to just be nice to them?” This was the text message I received one afternoon from one of my children. Their question revealed how their workday was going. While maybe there was a small part inside them that genuinely hoped kindness was the only requirement, the truth is God was calling them to do both.

I texted back Romans 12:17-20 which says “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” 

Showing kindness to nice people is one thing, but to show kindness to those who we see as an enemy is extremely difficult. Why would God command us to do this? The simple answer is we are called to treat others the way He treats us. We all were God’s enemies but because of His great love towards us, He sent Jesus to reconcile us back to Him (Romans 5:10). Jesus lived the life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and resurrected from the dead guaranteeing us eternal life and peace with Him. 

If a Holy God did that for us when we were His enemy, who are we not to do the same? For my child, it was very difficult to help someone who constantly made their life miserable. And unfortunately, helping them did not cause much to change after. However, what did change was the inner peace my child experienced knowing they pleased God no matter the circumstances and showed the truth of just how great His love is towards all of us.

Is God asking you to show kindness to someone undeserving? Are you withholding help towards a coworker who has been mean? Showing the love of Christ towards them may not change your situation but you can have peace knowing your obedience not only proclaims the truth of the gospel, but it also enables you to conquer evil with good (Romans 12:21).