Rooted in Virtues: A Year of Spiritual Practice – as we continue this year-long journey of growing in the virtues that shape our walk with God, today we focus on the virtue of Kindness. In a world often marked by division, conflict, and misunderstanding, kindness is a powerful weapon. It can disarm hostility, heal wounds, and reflect the love of Christ to those around us.
This post is especially timely as we explore how kindness plays a transformative role when we encounter conflict. To guide us in this practice, we turn to Luke 10:25-29, a passage that highlights the importance of loving our neighbor and the kind of response Christ desires from His followers. Let's dive deep into how we can cultivate kindness, especially in times of conflict.
Scriptural Reflection: The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-29 (NASB):
“And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How do you read it?’ And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ And He said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.’ But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’”
The Context: A Question About Inheritance of Eternal Life
In this passage, we encounter a conversation between Jesus and a lawyer. The lawyer, seeking to test Jesus, asks the question: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus, as He often does, directs the conversation back to Scripture, asking him what is written in the Law. The lawyer answers correctly—love God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself. This foundational command sums up the entirety of the law, but the lawyer, not satisfied with his answer, asks a follow-up question: “Who is my neighbor?”
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The Answer Jesus Gives: A Lesson in Kindness
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
In response to the lawyer’s question, Jesus tells the well-known Parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable is both simple and profound, revealing the depth of love and kindness that God expects from His followers. It teaches us that kindness knows no boundaries, especially when responding to conflict or injustice.
In the parable, a man is traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and is attacked by robbers. He is left wounded and abandoned. Two individuals, a priest and a Levite, both pass by him, ignoring his plight. However, a Samaritan, who was considered an enemy by the Jews, stops to help the injured man. He shows kindness by providing first aid, transporting him to an inn, and ensuring that his needs are met. Jesus asks the lawyer, “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” The lawyer replies, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Jesus then concludes, “Go and do the same.”
The Virtue of Kindness in Conflict
Responding to Conflict with Compassion
When we encounter conflict, it can be easy to react out of anger, frustration, or a desire to "win" the situation. Jesus’ message in this parable teaches us that kindness is not just an action; it is a response rooted in love and compassion. The Samaritan didn’t just feel sympathy for the injured man; he took action to help him in his time of need. His response wasn’t based on the man’s ethnicity, status, or personal history—it was rooted in kindness.
In our own lives, we are called to respond to conflict with that same kind of selfless kindness. Whether we’re dealing with a difficult coworker, a strained family relationship, or a friend who has wronged us, kindness is a powerful tool to break the cycle of hostility and hurt. The world may encourage us to retaliate or to protect our own interests, but Jesus calls us to lay down our pride and respond in kindness.
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Cultivating Kindness in Our Daily Lives
See Beyond the Conflict:
The first step to cultivating kindness is to look beyond the surface of the conflict. Just as the Samaritan didn’t focus on the differences between himself and the injured man, we must learn to see beyond our disagreements. Ask yourself, What does this person need from me right now? When we pause to recognize the humanity of others, even those with whom we disagree, we can respond with the kindness of Christ.
Act with Compassion:
Kindness is not just a feeling—it’s an action. The Samaritan didn’t just feel sorry for the wounded man; he stepped in and took action to help him. In the same way, when we face conflict, we can choose to act with compassion. This might mean offering a listening ear, apologizing when necessary, or going out of our way to extend grace to someone who doesn’t deserve it.
Forgive Freely:
Often, conflict arises because of offenses—real or perceived. In those moments, forgiveness is an act of kindness. Jesus calls us to forgive others as He has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). Kindness in conflict involves letting go of grudges, choosing peace over bitterness, and trusting that God will bring healing.
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Encouragement to Stay Rooted in Kindness
Challenges to Practicing Kindness
Responding to conflict with kindness is not always easy. Our natural instincts may be to defend ourselves, seek justice, or retaliate. The challenge is that kindness requires humility—it requires us to humble ourselves before God and others, recognizing that our worth doesn’t come from being "right" or "victorious" in every situation. It’s about putting others' needs above our own, just as Christ did for us.
But here’s the hope: When we are rooted in Christ, kindness becomes a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The more we practice kindness, the more it becomes a natural response in conflict. As we grow deeper in our relationship with God, we are transformed by His love, and His love overflows into our actions.
Go and Do the Same
In conclusion, the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that kindness is not just a moral choice—it is a Christlike response to the world around us. When we face conflict, whether with strangers, friends, or even family, we are called to show mercy, act with compassion, and forgive freely.
Let us commit to cultivating kindness in our hearts and actions, especially in times of conflict. Just as the Good Samaritan showed kindness to the man who was wounded, we too can choose to respond in kindness, reflecting the love of Christ to a world in desperate need of it.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for showing us kindness through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to reflect Your love in all that we do, especially when we face conflict. Teach us to respond with compassion, humility, and forgiveness, and to always seek peace. Strengthen us to be kind in every situation, so that we may honor You and bring healing to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
May the Lord empower you to live out the virtue of kindness, especially in times of conflict. Go and do the same! 🌿