A Prayer for a Summer of Kindness
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Listen or Read Below:
Summertime is my favorite season of the year for many reasons: the warm weather, the longer days, and the beautiful flowers. There is something about summer that brings your soul to life. Unfortunately, summertime can also be a time period when we forget to extend kindness to others. When my sisters and I were young, we befriended a girl who lived across the street from us one summer. While this friendship was supposed to be positive, it turned into a nightmare.
Our friend across the street got us into many habits. She would make fun of the other kids on the block, which made me personally feel terrible. Sadly, I was afraid as a kid, and I didn't speak up against her. Although my sisters and I never made fun of anyone, we also didn't say anything against our friend. As an adult, I now understand our friend across the street was troubled due to a difficult home environment, but we should have stood up for what is right.
This summer, may we all choose to stand up for what is right, to speak up against bullies, and to extend kindness to all people. We may look different on the outside, but we are all human beings who want to be loved, known, and valued. Choose to love others with the love God has bestowed upon you. This may be challenging at times, but the Lord will help you.
The Apostle Paul tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Most scholars focus on the second half of this passage: to forgive others as God has forgiven us; however, we must never overlook the command to be kind and compassionate to one another. Regardless of the season of the year, we need to be extending kindness.
Who can you extend kindness to today? Perhaps an elderly neighbor, a person struggling at work, or a single mom who lives in your apartment complex? The wonderful thing about kindness is that it is something we can freely give to all people. It costs nothing to be kind to others. Choose to extend kindness throughout this upcoming summer, and you will be blessed.
You will grow in your walk with Jesus and become the person He wants you to be. Whenever you are tempted to get involved in the wrong crowd or to resort to previous behaviors, remind yourself that you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Never allow someone to derail you from the life God has given you. Stand your ground in the Name of the Lord, extend kindness to all people, and rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Extending kindness may be difficult for many reasons, which is why Paul encourages us to forgive others. If you are holding any unforgiveness toward others today, forgive them with the help of the Lord. It is important to remember that forgiveness is different from saying that something someone did is “okay.” Rather, it means that you are choosing to give the situation over to God. Forgive from your heart, but never feel like you must be reconciled to someone who hurt your feelings or made you become someone you are not.
This summer, may we all extend the love and kindness of Jesus in our words, actions, and behaviors. Even if no one else around us is shining bright for Jesus, we can choose to do the right thing by loving and caring about others. Whether you find yourself at the beach or in your hometown this summer, continue to live for Christ and extend kindness, love, and compassion to all people.
Let's Pray:
Dear God, summertime can either be a time of great growth or falling behind in my faith. While I love summer, it reminds me of summers from long ago. I do not want to be an unkind person or fail to stand up for others. Please help me to always extend kindness to all people. I never want to hurt someone's feelings or fail to speak up for them.
I am not afraid anymore; I will do the right thing. By forgiving others and extending kindness and compassion, I can shine brightly for You. Please help me to be a beacon light of Your love to others this summer. Thank You for giving me strength, support, and guidance, Father.
In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Jon Tyson
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In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan Fadling sits down with theologian and spiritual formation professor Kyle Strobel to discuss the new book When God Seems Distant, coauthored with John Coe. If this episode helps you recenter your work and life on God, be sure to follow Unhurried Living on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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