Message: “Are You Walking Around Naked?” from Dr. Rick Mandl

Hey church family, I’ve got a question for you today, and my questions is . . . “What Are You Wearing?” You don’t need to e-mail me with your answers, but rather just think about that question for a moment. And as you do I’d ask you to also reflect on the Apostle Paul’s word in Colossians 3 when he tells us that one of the things we ought to be wearing is . . . kindness. In Colossians 3:12 he said it this way, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

The Bible has a lot to say about the important of kindness. . . Paul writing in Ephesians 4:32 says . . . “Be kind to each other.” He lists it as one of the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13 when he writes . . . “Love is patient and kind. . .” In Galatians chapter 5 it’s listed among the fruit of the spirit. Paul tells us that . . . "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Among the virtues that Peter says needs to be added to our faith in his second letter is “brotherly kindness” (2 Peter 1:7).

Why do you think that the scriptures talk as much as they do about kindness? Maybe it’s because it is so easy to be unkind, and to act in a way that lacks civility and common courtesy. Very often when we become irritated with others and impatient with their faults, sharp words that reflect a spirit of unkindness can come forth from our hearts and out of our mouths. Some may try to justify their behavior by saying… “Well, I am just a blunt person.  That’s just the way I am.” God says, if you are blunt to the point of being unkind, you need to change! He says, “Be kind one to another.” Someone else might argue, “You can’t beat around the bush with people. You’ve got to get to the point.” If you’re “getting to the point” is being done in an unkind manner, God desires that you change your approach! “But, I don’t mean to be unkind,” one may protest, “It just comes out that way.” Good!  Since you don’t mean it, God says you need to work on your heart. 

If you change what’s on the inside then what will come out will be kind! In a world that is often insensitive, cold and calloused, Christians are called upon to be different. As we interact with others, let’s learn to be nice. Let’s learn to be considerate and caring and loving and patient and kind.

Kindness overlooks minor issues. Kindness encourages the weak. Kindness lifts up the young and inspires them to greater service. Unkindness discourages.  Disheartens.  Demoralizes. When we are unkind we dampen the spirit of others. Let’s all work on being kinder and gentler. Kindness will make the home happier, the church family closer, and our friends friendlier! Whatever you’re wearing right now, let me encourage you to consider changing and Clothing yourself with kindness!