Is You Kind?

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls  Matthew 11:29 NIV

At the present, I spend part of my time as a substitute school bus driver. It’s hard finding everyone’s home on routes that are new to you. But the kids are usually better, because they don’t know if you are mean (make them follow all the rules) or not. Yesterday a girl on the front row decided to be brave enough to start a conversation.

“Is you kind?” she asked.

In my head I’m thinking, “Of course, I’m Pastor Greg. I tell children’s stories, and I love children. I have 6 of my own and 9 grandchildren. I sing songs on the bus…wait you’ve never heard my rules song.” All those thoughts took a millisecond.

In the next millisecond, I thought, “how does someone know if I am kind or not? I know she is asking if I will make them follow the rules and be quiet, but how can I show, I am kind?” I decided to smile making sure teeth were seen and a nice grin. I caught her eyes in the mirror and smiled.

Is you kind? How would someone know?

Even Jesus said it would take some time to understand His disposition. In our verse today, He said learn from Me. In other words, it will take some relational interaction with Jesus. What could you learn?

He forgives you in ways that know one else does. He doesn’t keep bringing up how awful you have been. No condemnation forgiveness. Yet, we struggle to come to him when we know we have blown it. We have to learn what He is like.  Keep coming, again and again. You will learn that his forgiveness starts with His arms wide open to embrace you with warmth.

He likes talking with you. He says we keep some information from servants, but you share openly with your friends. He calls you His friend. Let that one sink in for a moment.  Say it like the song…I am a friend of God. Friends spend time with each other and learn to finish one another sentences and thoughts.  I think you would be well on your way to learning what Jesus is like, if you spent time with Him as a friend.

He is gentle. He is a potter, molding us as we turn on the wheel, we call our lives. He is molding you to look like Himself. He is patient and kind to lead us to where He knows what we truly want to become…like Him.

Is you kind? I hope that we can smile more. I hope that we listen better so the other person knows that we like them. I hope that we consider others needs as more important than our own. I hope that our hands are gentle and inviting. I hope that if someone spends time with you, they will learn that you is kind.

Blessings, Pastor Greg