Gerry Parker

I know I am dating myself, but I really like the message of the song “Try A Little Kindness” as sung by Glen Campbell in 1970. Look it up on YouTube. Be blessed. Listen closely. I do not know for sure that the writer intended it but there are several Biblical passages referenced.

Be kind! The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that we should think of others as better than ourselves. He also tells us to take every thought captive for Christ! I must admit I am not seeing much of that today.

I see people rude about COVID: “Those people who do not wear a mask are idiots and they don’t care about others” or “Those people wearing masks are so stupid. They are sheep.”   

Or in regard to politics, “You are not a Christian if you vote for Trump” or “You are not a Christian if you vote for Biden.”

I learned a new word yesterday on Facebook: I was called a DOLT. It means stupid person. I realize that is just the world being the world. Sometimes I just want to cry at what I am seeing. Rioting. Looting.  Killing. Folks, we are better than this.

If you profess Christ, then you have a higher calling. I challenged myself a few months ago. I asked God to help me not use these cutting words unless, unless, unless absolutely necessary. And I have found that over the last few months I am using them much much less.

When I look at Jesus and how he treated people, I do not see him acting the way we do today. As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Paul tells Timothy to watch his speech (1 Timothy 4:12 ). 

Remember, try a little kindness and show a little kindness because it is the right thing to do. It does make a difference.

(Gerry Parker is the pastor of Powell Church of Christ.)