Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

People-watching was passing my time. Nearby stood a mother and daughter apparently playing the waiting game as well. Their conversation covered an exhausting to-do list for their day and from what I could hear, they would hardly have time to breathe. Suddenly, adding to the chaos of their schedule, the young girl excitedly added one additional item: “Stop at the store and buy whipped cream!”

Out of curiosity, the mother questioned her reason for whipped cream, to which the girl replied, “Mom, you don’t need a reason for whipped cream!”

I found her comment both confusing and profound all at the same time and I chuckled quietly from the sidelines. So, I began contemplating just what elements in life existed beyond reason and kindness was the first to come to mind.

Do we need a reason for kindness?

Is there any situation when kindness is an inappropriate response?

Does kindness ever find itself unwelcomed?

Through my reflection, I concluded that just perhaps, like whipped cream, kindness requires no reasoning. Jesus lived accordingly. He encountered unjust acts, numerous deeds of cruelty, and behavior far from kind. He was criticized, mocked, and scrutinized. Yet His words, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing,” (Luke 23:34) was proof Jesus held compassion in the same high regard as the girl held her whipped cream.

We may find ourselves today on a crash course with spiteful people generating malicious deeds. The question is, how will we respond? Our reactions will demonstrate to the world who rules our hearts. Are we guided by the compassion of Jesus or are we guided by selfish desires leading us to revenge?

Our Heavenly Father pours over us compassion beyond reasoning. When our hearts are open to the kindness and forgiveness heaped upon us, we will be incapable of containing it. Our lives will overflow His goodness upon all, even upon those whose hurtful deeds have left us scarred.

So, Sisters, the matter is settled. We do not need a reason for kindness! (And apparently, we do not need a reason for whipped cream, either!)

Father God help us overflow your compassion upon others.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane