Lately I have been listening to Ashes & Fire, the latest album from Ryan Adams, alot. It has really gotten me thinking. I've even wept a couple of times. His song “Kindness” especially moves me. It really makes me reflect on my own journey out of darkness, depression and addiction into the light of love, forgiveness and service to my fellow man...the glorious results of Jesus in my life.
If you’re so kind, can you let down your hand
Can you let down your hand, if you’re so kind
If you’re so kind, can you shelter the weak
Can you listen as the strangers speak
Bring them calm
The lyrics of this song remind me of the Beatitudes, where Jesus spoke of those that the world viewed as “less than” and called them blessed!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”–Matthew 5:3-10, NIV
These eight incredible statements that Jesus made have shown me what is truly important in life. They show me the values that Jesus cares about and what He wants me to care about too.
Kindness don’t ask for much, but an open mind
Kindness can cure a broken heart
Honey are you feeling kind?
Do you believe in love?
Do you believe in love?
Having a relationship with Jesus and getting to know Him by reading and praying over His Word has made me open-minded, not closed-minded. Gone are the false beliefs and stigmas of my past. Gone are the lies I believed as a result of the society and culture in which I was raised.
Racism. Gone.
Religiosity. Gone.
Bigotry. Gone.
Superiority. Gone.
Favoritism. Gone.
Making Excuses. Gone.
Unforgiveness. Gone.
Intellectualizing Everything. Gone.
Materialism. Gone.
The Endless Pursuit of Pleasure. Gone.
My mind has been completely renewed and I am a new person, just as Paul says in Romans 12:2:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
God has given me:
A genuine love for all people, in place of racism.
An intimate and real relationship with Him, in place of religion.
Kindness, in place of bigotry.
Humility, in place of superiority.
Equality, in place of favoritism.
Accountability, in place of making excuses.
Grace, in place of unforgiveness.
Faith, in place of intellectualizing everything.
Contentment, in place of materialism.
Service to my fellow man, in place of the empty and endless pursuit of pleasure.
He has replaced my false beliefs with truth. And I know this is His will for me because His Word continuously confirms it in my spirit.
If you’re so kind, will you let down your hand
Will you try and understand when things go wrong
Days come and gone, and it's been said and been done
I will shelter you with my love and my forgiveness
Kindness don’t ask for much, but an open mind
Kindness can cure a broken heart
Honey are you feeling kind?
Do you believe in love?
Do you believe in love?
Yes, Mr. Adams!
I do now!
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” –Galatians 2:20
“Don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” –Galatians 5:13
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” –Ephesians 4:2
“You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.” –1 Peter 4:2
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” –1 John 3:18
“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” –1 John 4:8
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” -1 John 4:12
“We love each other because He loved us first.” –1 John 4:19
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” – 1 John 4:16
“This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.” –1 John 4:17
"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." –Matthew 5:43-44
On a side note, I just had to chuckle a little when I was reading Jon Acuff’s blog SCL recently and I saw this sign he playfully created in response to the hateful picketers from Westboro Baptist Church.
Peace, Love & Blessings Y'all!
Jo
-Lyrics taken from Kindness, by Ryan Adams, Ashes & Fire © 2011, PAX AM, Jacksonville, NC. All rights reserved.
-Scripture citations taken from the Holy Bible. New Living Translation © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation, Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.
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