Kindness Leads to Joy
How do we live a life of goodness?
Verse of the Day
“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Today’s Devotional
This section of Romans is about not condemning other believers. Not for what they eat, or do not eat. Not for how they observe special holy days, or if they do not observe those same days. I would add….Not for how they worship. Or how often they take communion. Or when they do baptisms. Or how they dress.
The point here, in my opinion, is to be sensitive to each other. We are all at different points on the same path. Although, some people would disagree that we are all on the same path. But I suggest that if anyone claims that Jesus is the Son of God and that God raised Him from the dead, then we are on the same path. (See Romans 10:9) The rest is just details, preference, and spiritual maturity.
I heard a sermon this morning that talked about the different positions we are all in with regard to the pandemic. Some people hate wearing masks, some people feel more protected with them on. Some people think this whole thing is a hoax, some people think it is a very big deal. No matter where you are on the spectrum, how can you honor other people? We are each entitled to form our own opinions. But do my words and actions honor those whose opinions differ from mine? Do they feel accepted by me for their stance, or do they feel condemned by me? I believe Paul would tell us to honor each other, no matter our differences.
In the same way, if a newer believer is dead set on one of the “rules” of religion, Paul says to accept him, don’t look down on him, don’t condemn him.
Instead of arguing minutia, I am called to live a life of goodness and peace and joy. The kind of goodness that comes in each moment as I seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit on how to best handle a sticky situation. I am to bring peace and harmony to an otherwise divisive situation. That’s hard to do, folks. I think that’s why we need the Holy Spirit.
And how does joy fit into this picture? If I can let my God-given joy, that comes from my trust in Him, guide every conversation and interaction, then I truly believe that God will lead my mouth. And my joy will (maybe) be contagious. At the very least, my joy will show that I am not affected by petty disagreements. Nor will I participate. Because it does not represent God’s love in this world.
Kindness matters. I think that’s the bumper sticker version of what Paul is trying to teach us here. Being right does not matter. And if I’m stuck on being right, then I’m being selfish. And prideful.
As we study joy this month, I propose to you that being kind will bring us joy. Even if you’re right. Even if you’re irritated. Be kind. And I believe we can lovingly redirect (if needed) with kindness. But can we do everything with kindness? Not alone. But with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will certainly do a much better job of it.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
Today, thank God for the simplicity of the Gospel and your salvation.
What conversations do you need help with today?
Where do you need help being kind today?
Ask for the Holy Spirit to give you a special measure of kindness today in that area, and notice how it affects your joy.