Prayer for a summer of kindness
Written by Vivian Bricker
Bible reading:
“Be kind to one another, have compassion, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Listen or read below:
Summer is my favorite season of the year for many reasons, including the warm weather, long days, and beautiful flowers. There’s something about summer that invigorates your soul. Unfortunately, summer is also the time when we forget to be kind to others. One summer when my sisters and I were young, we became friends with a girl who lived across the street. This friendship was supposed to be positive, but it turned into a nightmare.
Our friends across the street have instilled in us many habits. I personally felt terrible because she made fun of other kids in the neighborhood. Sadly, I was too scared to disagree with her as a child. My sisters and I never made fun of people, but we never said anything to our friends. Now that I’m an adult, I understand that my friend across the street was suffering because of a difficult home situation, but we should have stood up for what was right.
This summer, may we all choose to stand up for what’s right, speak out against bullying, and extend kindness to all people. Although we may look different on the outside, we are all human beings who want to be loved, known, and valued. Choose to love others with the love God has given you. It may be difficult at times, but the Lord will help you.
The apostle Paul said, “Be kind to one another, have compassion, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Most scholars focus on the second half of this verse. It’s about forgiving others as God has forgiven us. But we must never lose sight of the command to be kind and compassionate to one another. No matter the season, we need to spread kindness.
Who can you extend kindness to today? Perhaps an elderly neighbor, someone struggling at work, or a single mother living in an apartment? The great thing about kindness is that it can be freely given to everyone. It doesn’t cost money to be kind to others. You will be blessed if you choose to spread kindness all summer long.
You will grow in your walk with Jesus and become the person He wants you to be. When you are tempted to fall in with the wrong crowd or rely on your previous actions, remember that you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Never allow someone to derail you from the life God has given you. Stand your ground in the name of the Lord, extend kindness to all, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Expressing kindness can be difficult for many reasons, which is why Paul encourages us to forgive others. If you have unforgivable feelings toward others today, forgive them with the Lord’s help. It’s important to remember that forgiving is different from saying “it’s okay” for something someone did. Rather, it means you are choosing to surrender the situation to God. Forgive with all your heart, but never feel like you have to make peace with the person who hurt your feelings or made you into someone you are not.
This summer, may we all spread the love and kindness of Jesus in our words, actions, and actions. Even if no one around us shines brightly for Jesus, we can choose to do the right thing by loving and caring for others. This summer, whether you’re at the beach or in your hometown, keep living for Christ and extending kindness, love, and compassion to all people.
Let’s pray:
Dear God, sometimes summer is a time of great growth in my faith, and other times it is a time of regression. I love summer, but it reminds me of summers of yesteryear. I don’t want to be unkind or unable to stand up for others. Help me to always extend kindness to everyone. I never want to hurt someone’s feelings or not speak up for them.
I’m not afraid anymore. I will do the right thing. By forgiving others and extending kindness and compassion, I can shine brightly for you. Help me be a beacon of your love to others this summer. Thank you, Father, for giving me strength, support, and guidance.
In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Share your thoughts on today’s devotion in the Daily Prayer discussion in the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Jon Tyson
Vivian Bricker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and then a Master of Arts with an emphasis in Theology. She loves theology, ministry, and all things helping others learn about Jesus. Check out more of her content on Cultivate.
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