Gò0dNews for Everyone
Kindness Is Free
T
by Kathy Karnes
here is nothing more comfortable in the
this subject is in the Book of Colossians. It simply says,
summer than wearing a good ole “Life is
“You are God’s chosen people. You are holy and dearly
Good” tee and your favorite shorts. If you’ve
loved. So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they
never worn that tee, you need to order one and find
were clothes. Don’t be proud. Be gentle and patient.
out for yourself. As I was scrolling on their website, I
Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you
was instantly drawn to one of their graphic tees that
are holding something against someone. Forgive, just
simply said, “Kindness Is Free.” Don’t we need a lot
as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12-13).
more kindness in this crazy world of unrest we’re living in right now? My husband’s grandmother, Granny Karnes, always said, “It’s easy to be mean.” She was right! As a teacher of 8- and 9-year-old children in the public school system for 32 years, my observation was that it sure did seem to come quite naturally for my students to choose to be mean to their friends instead of treating them with kindness. What? It’s a choice? My observation made me decide to begin our day by reciting the Golden Rule. “Treat others the way you want to be treated” was our daily quote that we recited. The Message Bible says, “Here is a simple
I challenge me and you to let God clothe every
rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what
aspect of our hearts. Let His lovingkindness and
you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative
gentleness flow from our actions. Let our character
and do it for them” (Matthew 7:12). The Golden Rule
reflect His Word. When we are in Christ, we become
served my students very well on a daily basis. It serves
His reflection on earth. Our actions, behavior, and
us well too if we decide to live it out.
temperance are a reflection of Christ. Let’s choose to be
Kindness is defined as “the quality of being
patient. Let’s choose to control our temper. Let’s choose
friendly, generous, and considerate.” What if we chose
not to respond recklessly. Let’s let Christ regulate and
to be blatantly kind? Kindness is one of the Fruits of
cultivate our thoughts, actions, and reactions.
the Spirit, and I sure do enjoy being the recipient of
Let’s choose to be kind. It’s free!
There are many Scriptures in the Bible that advise God’s people on how to live, and one that pertains to
24 // October 2020
About The Author
someone’s kindness. I bet you do too! Kathy Karnes is married to John and they have grown twin daughters. She was an elementary classroom teacher in Bradley County and is presently involved in several ministries in our community; Anchorpoint Foundation, Women at the Well, FBC Choir and Pet Therapy with her dog, Jazz.
