February 17, 2023

The Bible Edge

Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have the Bible Edge

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

As a Boy Scout I memorized, among other things, the twelve points of the scout law. The sixth point of this law is “kind”. Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. We may not be smart for that is a gift God gives to some. We may not be blessed with unusual physical strength as others are. We may not be gifted in music, athletic in sports, or able to speak to great crowds. These are gifts God gives to some, and your gift others do not have. But we can all be kind.

Being kind takes no special skill, no great intellect, no athleticism, or even strength of character. It sometimes takes humility, grace, and mercy to be kind, and it always takes purpose. For it is the purpose of heart to be kind that brings forth kindness. One of the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman is kindness…in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26 A kind tongue comes from a kind heart. Jesus proves that in Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

The German philosopher Johann Goethe once wrote “Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.” Some put kindness in word, this is a good start, but to finish the job, put kindness in work. For without a doubt true kindness takes work. Words do not suffice in some things but work always does. Many are quick with the smile and words of kindness but fail to do the work.

Kindness to me is making someone else’s life easier. See a woman carrying a load, offer to carry it for her; that’s kindness. Someone behind you is about to enter the door, hold the door; that’s kindness. A person has sinned against you, and you forgive them as Christ has forgiven you; that’s kindness. Their life is eased through your grace. On and on we could go for there is an unending list of ways to be kind.

But the key is to be ye kind one to another. That’s an edge, a Bible Edge against an uncaring and unkind world. Just simply be kind. What a world it would be, what a home it would be, what a church it would be, if we were all kind one to another!

William Howe, Ph.D.