Each year
young people in our community participate in a “Be Nice” campaign spearheaded
by a mental health organization. In one of the events in 2012, 6,000 students spelled
out the words BE NICE with their bodies on their schools’ sports fields. One
principal said, “We want students to come to school and learn without the
distraction of fear or sadness or uneasiness around their peers. We are working
hard to make sure students are lifting each other up, rather than tearing each
other down.”
Paul
desired that the people in the church at Rome would have an even higher
standard of love. Both the strong and weak in the faith were judging and
showing contempt for each other (Rom. 14:1-12). They despised one another as
they argued about what foods were permissible to eat (vv.2-3) and what holidays
they should observe (vv.5-6). Paul challenged them: “Let us pursue the things
which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (v.19). He
reminded them that their hearts should be concerned with pleasing others, not
pleasing themselves. He said, “Even Christ did not please Himself” (15:3); He
served.
Join the campaign that loves others despite our differences—you’ll bring praise to God (v.7).
Kindness is simply love flowing out in little gentlenesses. (RBC)
