With so much information to absorb and even more confusion as to what we are to believe, it is heartwarming to learn of the kindness that rises to the surface in those small instances where we can still interact with others.
The human spirit is dauntless in its desire to live into kindness and caring for others. All major religions teach of caring for others: the elderly, the widows and orphans, the poor, the hungry.
As I tossed and turned in bed last night, the word “love” kept popping into my head. The love we received as children, the love we had for parents and grandparents, the childhood friends, the teachers, the pets we loved, the love given to our partners, our children and our grandchildren, the love so many of us have for creation.
So, what is love, as defined in the biblical tradition? I guess it is best summed up in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians when he said:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
I believe that what we are seeing these days is “kind love”. We are witnessing a way of being which is gentle and pleasant – especially under circumstances which are difficult and have the potential to be self-serving or provocative.
As we reflect on the current crisis we are facing globally, I would invite you to ask yourself “how did Jesus show kind love?”
During his earthly ministry, there were no hospitals, clinics or doctor’s offices. The threat of illness due to infection plagued both the rich and the poor. Yet, Jesus felt amazing love for those who were helpless, excluding no one from being a part of God’s endless love for humanity.
I too believe that the love of God expands time and eternity.
Now is the time to emulate this love for one another, and for ourselves as we walk this uncertain journey together. Think thoughts of kind love, speak words of kind love, and, wherever you can, spread seeds of kind love so it will grow and spread seeds of its own!
Let our gift be kindness and love,
Beryl