“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Eph 4:32; “All of you, have… sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” I Pet. 3:8
Lord Jesus, as with all the Scriptures, these verses make us think of you. No one is kinder and more tenderhearted than you. You are the fountainhead of empathy, and the ocean of forgiveness.
You are not only merciful with “bruised reeds and smoldering wicks,” you are altogether compassionate when, like Jonah, Jeremiah, and the “elder brother” (Luke 15), we’re pouty, defensive, and self-absorbed. Thank you, 1000 times over, thank you for being engaged but never enraged, with us, firm but never harsh, merciful but never mercurial. You always speak the truth in love, and give grace for the moment.
Lord Jesus, as we live, walk, and work among strong opinions and diverse perspectives (on vacs/masks, justice/mercy, education/politics), may your Spirit empower us with empathy, gentleness, and kindness. Teach us to listen to you before we launch at one another. In our diversity, tune our hearts to the “key of grace.”
Continue to show us where we’re not as free as you intend, peaceful as you desire, and as loving as we will be one Day. Liberate us for your glory, and our tongues for your praise. So very Amen we pray, in your ever-so-glorious name.