One Monday morning, I faced a co-worker under stress.
She could choose anyone as a target to hit with her anger, but since she and I shared an office, she chose me. I sat paralyzed as words of frustration came out of her mouth. I offered help several times and talked to her about her attitude, but nothing seemed to stop her rude behavior.
This Monday, however, differed. The first thing I thought about was this verse and a sermon on kindness I had heard the day before. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. I felt compassion for her as I remembered the sermon.
During that day and the following ones, I showed kindness toward my co-worker—even though she was still under pressure and acting rudely toward others. Showing kindness requires daily prayer—which is a spiritual exercise—and engaging in spiritual warfare. But it’s worth it.
What’s interesting is that having compassion and acting in kindness toward someone else changes us. Peace takes over when we give space for the Holy Spirit to guide us. It also makes us look more like Jesus.
Make up your mind to show compassion to someone who needs to feel it.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Elaine Azznara is a Brazilian writer living in Virginia. As an academic writer, she is referenced by Brazilian news websites, academic articles, and government and non-profit organizations. Her next project is to focus into faith-based writing, where her true passion is.