“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.””

Sixty year old Elsie Holden lost her position as a security guard in August 2010 because she was too courteous. Her superiors wrote, “Due to your caring and giving nature, you are compromising your position as a security officer. Being caring and giving is not a job requirement, nor is it what you are paid to do.” Elsie was transferred to a new position in nearby Melbourne. Most people would not be fired for being nice, but because they are not nice enough. Like Elsie Holden, the community of God should possess and practice a caring and giving spirit no matter their vocation in life.

Caring and giving is nothing more than kindness turned inside out. Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, considerate and treating people with respect. In Zechariah chapter seven, God called for his people to treat one another right by demonstrating fairness, kindness, mercy and  goodness towards one another. It is clear in verse 9 that rightness is to begin with the community of God and then expand beyond the community of God.

God not only expects his people to treat each other right, but he also expects his people to treat others right. Being just, kind and merciful towards fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and others is evidence of rightness in the sight of God. Zechariah 7:9-10 is clear that the Christian community is to practice kindness as a way of life. Zechariah 7:9-10, sums up how kindness looks in terms of a Christians thinking, speech and behavior towards one another and others. The kindness of God towards us should be manifested towards others in our respective communities. When was the last time that you performed random acts of kindness towards people in your community? Being kind is treating people right. Next time you have an opportunity to show kindness, do it without fanfare!

God, help me to treat people right by practicing kindness towards them in tangible and intangible ways, Amen!

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