“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” -Luke 6:31
Like so many families, we spend much of our time at the ballfields. Our youngest daughter plays softball. The games are exciting and it’s so much fun to cheer on our team. The trunk of our car is filled with gloves, bats, cleats, and chairs for mom and dad. We are always ready for a day of games on the diamond.
This past weekend we were attended my daughter’s softball tournament. There were so many people around. As we were waiting for the next game to start, my wife and I had found a place to sit, apart from the crowd. We were enjoying some popcorn from the concession stand and just taking in the day. That’s when a little boy walked past wearing what I thought was the best T-shirt of the day. It was a bright red shirt with the words “be kind to every kind.”
What a great statement! If you’ve never been to a softball tournament, you might be surprised to know there is sometimes a shortage of kindness. Amid the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, tempers flare, unkind things are said, and people are not always on their best behavior. This T-shirt was a small reminder of how important it is to remember who we are in every circumstance. There is no place where kindness is not important.
Luke’s gospel contains a collection of teachings knows as The Sermon on the Plain. (Luke 6:20-49) This teaching is much like Matthew’s gospel and The Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7) Both of these teachings focus on practical, but challenging practices of our faith. One of those practices is kindness. Jesus makes it clear that our actions should match the kindness of our God. There are times when we find it challenging to love as God has loved us, especially when the other person is on a different team. I am not just referring to softball here. We struggle with how we treat people of differing views, opposing political parties, religions, races, and so many other differences.
Jesus teaches that love and kindness should be our first reaction. When we are challenged, we should respond with our faith that teaches, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28) These are not easy things to do, but this is what God asks of us. Be kind to every kind.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
