But Jesus is clear – his expectations for his disciples are sky-high. His desire for his disciples is that they experience humanity the same way his Father does – cutting them slack and valuing them highly. And that starts with the recognition that, in light of the cross of Jesus, WE have been cut slack, and WE are valued highly. We do not have to MANUFACTURE kindness and love for others, we simply let some of the kindness and love we have received from God – flow back out of us to the people around us.
And the role of the Holy Spirit, then, is to keep us honest, and let the flow continue. The Spirit guides us to evaluate our relationships and helps us to invest in them wisely. The Spirit shows us opportunities for kindness, and helps us to execute on them. And the Spirit helps us get over those times when there's a mental blockage in the flow of love and kindness, and restores us to our full potential.
Next week, we will look at the fruits of peace and gentleness....
Gracious God, we thank you for the love and kindness you have shown us in the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus. Help us to make this love and kindness manifest to the people around us, through the work of your Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name. Amen.