Learning from Jesus' example of tender, considerate care.
The 18th century writer Christian Bovee said, "Kindness is a language the dumb can speak and the deaf can hear and understand."
Jesus showed us his fluency in this language throughout his ministry.
In Mark 7, when he met a deaf man, he took him away from the crowd. He didn't want to embarrass this man, but to heal him. And he didn't keep his distance, but he made gentle contact. And the man wasn't an annoyance. Jesus felt disturbed by what was broken. His tender heart earnestly desired to care for this man.
In fact, in Mark's gospel, this man stands as a heroic example of faith. Why? He trusted Jesus to heal him. He could see that Jesus was kind and capable.
By comparison, the Pharisees haughtily demanded signs (Mark 8:11) and the disciples had no spiritual sight or comprehension (Mark 8:17). At least at this point of Jesus' ministry, they couldn't see the kind and good heart of Jesus.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Again, leaving the region of Tyre, he went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had difficulty speaking and begged Jesus to lay his hand on him. So he took him away from the crowd in private. After putting his fingers in the man's ears and spitting, he touched his tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed deeply and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!"). Immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak clearly. He ordered them to tell no one, but the more he ordered them, the more they proclaimed it. They were extremely astonished and said, "He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
In what ways is your heart hardened towards God's kindness? How is it tender and open to God's care?
What does it feel like to be treated in an inconsiderate or harsh manner?
Prayerfully consider one person you could take into consideration. What need do they have—and how could you meet it in a generous and sensitive way?
Often, people express vulnerable needs on social media. What would a kind response look like?
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