My first banking job was a teller position at Interfirst Bank located downtown Dallas. The ladies I worked with at the mini-bank on the corner of 4th & Akard were very kind. They taught me everything I needed to know, not just the teller stuff, but how to be safe in the parking garage, where to get the best deals on shoes and how not to wear them out walking on the concrete! They shared with me the things I needed to know about our regular customers, especially the gentlemen who gave great tips! I always thought it kind of them to share who got to wait on him, rather than fight over it. Our little team of 4 was a very effective & efficient group. We often won the awards for accuracy and customer service. Later I worked as a utility teller and would move around to different locations. That’s when I began to see why our team was so often the top ranged group. Other groups were not as kind. They fought over lunch times and other silly things. They never helped each other find mistakes. As a result, both employees’ and customers’ experiences were less satisfying. I learned that some of our regulars at 4th and Akard walked extra blocks and waited in line just to come to our location.
Kindness definitely has an impact of the effectiveness & efficiency of a group. It inspires us to participate in the divine. On the other hand, the absence of kindness generally yields quarrelling, outbursts of anger, and selfish ambition; all on the list of the corrupt.
I believe this is exactly what scripture is teaching us in Ephesians 4. The entire chapter is about living in unity as children of the light. God wanted us to know that to operate effectively as a family, his children, we would need to be kind to one another.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31 & 32 (NLT) Another good list of things to avoid and things to embrace!
In every version I’ve read, there is an adjective in front of kindness in our formula - brotherly. For me this adjective adds depth to the component of kindness. I have 3 brothers and there is nothing I would not do for them. The kindness called for here is more than stopping to help a stranger along the way. It’s more than being nice and extending common courtesies to our co-workers. It’s about showing genuine care to those with whom we share life. Why? Because it conforms to the wishes of the One who has given us great and precious promises. The One who is our sufficient source for living. According to our key verses in 2 Peter 1, to do less would be shortsighted, forgetting the kindness He has shown us.
Last week I mentioned the hymn, “Rescue the Pershing”, the last stanza of the hymn offers further insight into the role of kindness in our E2 formula.
“Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, Feelings lie buried that grace can restore; Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.” Kindness can indeed inspire the divine, when we are willing to touch others.
At the beginning of our analysis I proposed the desired result of his divine power, glory and goodness in our lives to be participation in the divine and avoidance of the corrupt. I propose we add to our purpose, helping others to participate in the divine and avoid the corrupt.
Thanks for listening,
See you next Sunday,
Ronda
“I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness.”
Mother Teresa
"Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can read."
Mark Twain
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