“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all forms of malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Eph. 4:31-32
Heavenly Father, a prayer about kindness needs to start with some. I don’t know what was going on, the backstory in play, the details, or circumstances—but witnessing a public shaming, demeaning, and emotional thrashing in a mall parking lot was a wake-up call. Abba, I may never be that loud, but when my heart gets that angry, please intervene. Keep me (us) unavoidably alive to how you relate to us in Jesus.
As today’s Scripture reminds us, your tenderheartedness and kindness towards us are constant, immeasurable, and always needed. Abba, we want to love others as you love us in Jesus, period—no qualifiers, fine print, “Yes, but’s,” or exceptions. You call us to be “tender-hearted”—not touchy-hearted. You will never shower us with contempt. You will convict us, but never shame us. As with Jonah, you do use severe mercy at times—and it can be severe, but it’s always mercy.
Keep us emotionally self-aware. And when we step into the rawness of people’s difficult day, old wounds, current triggers, or sleepless nights… give us your patience, forbearance, and understanding. Give us long fuses and short memories when it comes to the imperfections and brokenness of others.
Oh Abba… make the Gospel, Jesus’ empty cross, your unwavering kindness, and the occupied throne of grace the most defining and delighting realities in our lives. Thank you, and So Very Amen.