“But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.” –Luke 6:27-31
I admit that I enjoy being kind. It is fun to be nice to people. When I am able to give to someone in need or perform a kind deed that blesses another person it makes me feel good. In the same breath that I confess my joy in performing good deeds for other, I must also admit that I find it hard to be kind to people who have not been kind to me.
When I recently read this teaching of Jesus, from the Gospel of Luke, I could not help but think of our theme this year at St. Luke’s, The Kindness Project. St. Luke’s has been encouraging daily acts of kindness, based on the scripture that reads, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34) It has been amazing to hear the stories of all of the acts of kindness being done by our members and those who have joined the project.
The teaching from Luke’s Gospel reminded me that The Kindness Project is not just for those people that I like and enjoy being around. Jesus reminds us that our calling to be kind, to love one another is a calling to love all people. We are to love and be kind to those who so often seem unlovable, unapproachable, even our enemies. Kindness is an intentional act, based on God’s love for us, and our desire to share that love with the world. Our love for others and our acts of kindness are not based on the other person who is receiving our love and kindness, but is instead motivated by the love of God in our own hearts. Being kind to our enemies is no easy task, but God’s gift of love and kindness is truly for the whole world. When we share with even those who seem to be our enemies, we can truly change the world.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
