Ephesians 4:29-32   Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

It’s amazing going on road mission trips.  I have been blessed to go to Poland, Costa Rica,, Mexico (Rio Bravo, Juarez,  Copper Canyon, Tarahumara), Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, etc.  and people are always kind.  It’s so odd that we all become so kind when we are around people that we don’t know.  We partly do it because we are  working together to try and accomplish something.  I sometimes wonder why in our daily lives our pride, prejudices, and so many other things getting in the way of a simple thing like kindness.  I mean sometimes the people closest to us see the least kindness from us.  People in stores, on the highway, who get in our way seem to not find us very king.    I look at politics in our world today and kindness does not exist at all.  

Verses 31 and 32 are an amazing conviction of our walk with Christ.  Get rid of bitterness, anger, brawling, slander and every form of mean.  Instead take on Christ who was kind and compassionate, forgiving others.  What a difference if we put aside our side and let god’s fruit manifest itself in us.  We are called to be representatives of Christ and our witness and lifestyle should be the same whether we are in the mountains of Mexico or driving to and shopping at WalMart.  Where do you find it hardest to be kind?   Why do you think those places are so hard?