Make America Kind Again (Part 2)

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. Galatians 5:22

Being 65 gives one an interesting perspective to be able to look back at the past and hopefully learn from the mistakes we have made.

Several years ago, we took a bus trip to Branson, and on the way back, we stopped at the Lincoln library. One of the exhibits in the library was a room that had comments made by the press concerning President Lincoln, his wife, and kids.

What immediately struck me was the fact that it sounded just like today as we listen to the name-calling by both political parties. The big difference was that there was no television, radio, or social media as we have it today. The only means of communication was the newspaper.

The press was downright ugly in how they attacked President Lincoln and his family.

I have lived long enough and traveled in the “Christian” world to have experienced how ugly “we” were about men like Dr. Billy Graham, Chuck Smith (Calvary Chapel), Bill Gothard, and other Christian leaders.

People attacked Dr. Bill Bright (Campus Crusade), Dr. James Dobson, and the list goes on and on.

One thing that surprised me about all of the men listed above. You never heard unkind words expressed from their platform or writings. These men were kind despite the harshness of their attackers.

What has happened to kindness?

I hate going to the grocery store in our area. People are ugly and unkind. I was checking out my groceries, and the check-out lady was crying. I asked her if she was ok and she said that the man before me had reamed her out and called her all sorts of names because she wasn’t moving fast enough. Really?

I hate to drive in New Jersey. People get crazy and so unkind when they are behind the wheel. I have learned all kinds of new words and hand gestures.

I hate any place where there are lines. People get ugly and just blurt out whatever comes to their minds.

If you want to know how unkind we have become, listen to your kids, your grandkids. Listen to the things that come out of their mouths. We are not doing a good job these days as role models.

What would happen if we as believers began a kindness revolution? Are you too scared to share your faith? Not sure what to say? Well, let me suggest to you that if you want to make an impact on the unsaved world around you, start by being kind. You will come across as being so weird and different that people will want to know what is wrong with you. I mean that in a positive way.

When we travel in airports, I always make it a point to thank the Homeland Security staff for keeping me safe. I say, “Thank you for keeping me safe,” and most times, it takes a couple of seconds for them to break out into a smile. For the most part, all they get is grumbling from almost everyone.

When was the last time you thanked someone for serving you well? I hate when the world comes up with programs like showing random acts of kindness. We should be the ones demonstrating kindness. When we do this, our platform for sharing Christ is elevated, and people are more open to hearing the message.

I am sure I’ve ticked someone off. That’s ok. If it causes you to pause and think about kindness, then it has been worth it.

Set apart for more,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

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Think About This: “You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 4-8 | You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the ^[b]beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. –Psalm 27:4

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.