But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us,
not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. Tit. 3:4-6 (ESV)
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Rom. 2:4 (NASB)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, there’s so much good news contained in this tapestry of Scriptures. Thank you for being relentlessly kind, gentle, and patient with us. The gospel is the best thing we have going for us as 2019 begins. We are dearly loved because you have deeply hidden our lives in Christ. Thank you.
Our union with Christ is our peace, joy, and hope. It’s also our “rocket fuel” for change. Your kindness towards us in Jesus leads us to repent of the ways we love others poorly—in thought, word, and deed. May we never get used to being “snarky,” mean-spirited, or resentful of others.
Father, we repent of over-believing people’s inconsistencies and under-believing the gospel. We repent of letting ourselves get more irritated and annoyed at others, than remaining humble, patient, and kind. Though our culture is getting more cynical and critical, quick-triggered and mean-spirited, that’s not who we want to be. We want to major in kindheartedness, encouragement, and hope in 2019. May our healing words outnumber our harsh words 1000 to 1 this year.
So, Father, as we reach for the garments of grace in the closet of the gospel— “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” pour your Spirit afresh into our hearts. Compel us to love others as Jesus loves us. Help us think, feel, speak, and act in line with the truth of the gospel, starting with today. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ tender and loving name.