You’ll Probably Never Look At Ephesians 4:32 The Same Way Again…“Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32a).”At first glance, you may read by this as meaning something like “be nice” to one another or “don’t hurt” one another. And if you do, you will be missing what “be kind” really means.Used only 7 times in the Bible, the Greek root word here is créstos. It means “To furnish what is useful, suitable (http://biblehub.com/greek/strongs_5543.htm).” This is a proactive word. In other words, “kindness” in Ephesians 4:32 does not mean not to do the wrong thing or simply to be nice or courteous to someone. It is a very practical word. It means “To provide what is useful and suitable.” It carries with it the idea of being beneficial and benevolent.There is no word in the English language for this Greek word, créstos, which conveys being kind and good at the same time (ibid).Why such a unique and scarcely used word to describe how Christians are to treat each other? Maybe because it is how God says He treats us…“For My yoke is easy (Matthew 11:30).” Though you’ve read this passage many times, I am not sure that you realized “easy” is from the Greek word, “créstos.” In other words, the yoke of Christ is not burdensome but benevolent, providing what is useful and suitable.Luke 6:35 says, “For He Himself is kind to the ungrateful.” Again, when referring to how God treats us, He is kind – even to ungrateful people. And the Greek word here for “kind” is, again, créstos.As a parent, have you ever tried to lead by example for your children to help them do the right thing? God too wants us to follow His example and be kind to one another.Being kind to someone means doing something good for them by providing what is useful for them. It might mean offering them an encouraging word, giving them a ride, paying their electric bill…At Pastors In Transition, our ministry is about being kind to pastors and their families who are in desperate need of kindness because many have be treated very unkindly for years.Kindness is not just being nice, courteous or not hurting someone. Kindness is providing what is useful and suitable for that person.Be kind today – follow your heavenly Father’s example…Mark
Mark FitterB.A., B.S.L., M.A., M.A.J.D. CandidateDirecting PastorPastors In Transition949 212 5959P.O. Box 4583San Clemente, CA 92674-4583Pastors In Transition is a 501 (C)3 Non profit Corp.Our mission is to help hurting Pastors and their families who are transitioning out of a vocational ministry position, voluntarily or involuntarily, find healing from their past and hope for their future through the ministry of Pastors In Transition, discovering, defining and directing what’s next.And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.I Corinthians 12:26
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