Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Eph. 4:32 ESV
Heavenly Father, this ought to be a “heart-tattoo” verse, or at least one of those “post-it-on-the-front-of-the-refrigerator-verses.” No matter the situation, story, or scenario, you call us to respond with kindness in our relationships. Not as doormats to be walked on, but as grace-full foot-washers. We are beloved of Jesus—called to be tenderhearted, not touchy-hearted.
Forgive us for the moments, (and hours), when we give into our default mode of repaying stubbornness for stubbornness, defensiveness for defensiveness, coolness for coolness, or criticism for criticism. We want to love others as Jesus loves us, period. Blow a gospel-kazoo loudly in our faces, when we try to justify our pouting, self-righteousness, and “snarky-ness.”
We greatly look forward to the Day when we’ll be made perfect in love (1 John 3:1-1). But until that Day, grant us quicker repentances when we get annoyed or critical. Give us softer, kinder hearts when we feel unheard, disrespected, or not cared for. And help us offer gospel responses when we experience the fruit of people’s difficult day, old triggers, or sleepless night(s).
Remind us that everybody has a bigger story than the chapter we happened to step into. Give us long fuses and short memories, when it comes to the imperfections and brokenness of others.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, keep us robustly aware of our union with Christ, the riches of grace, and our citizenship in heaven. May it become increasingly difficult for us to love poorly—no matter the provocation, pettiness, or personality. That would be awesome, Father. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ kind and loving name.
