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    HomeLifestyleJim Langley: When Kindness Becomes Cruelty | Homes & Lifestyle

    Jim Langley: When Kindness Becomes Cruelty | Homes & Lifestyle

    More than 80 years ago, C.S. Lewis wrote a classic literary work, The Problem of Pain.

    One of the many topics he discussed in those pages dealt with the biblical virtue of kindness. He addresses kindness in a much different light than this secular world in which we live.

    Let’s discuss his view that much of what we consider kindness may in fact be cruelty.

    Lewis perceives kindness as a “pet virtue” that only looks at how we see rather than how others may perceive our actions and attitudes. You may have observed a bumper sticker from the past promoting “Random Acts of Kindness” as a way of living a better life. I believe Lewis would have simply had a good laugh at such an ideology.

    Here’s my personal observation on this often-addressed virtue:

    In my opinion, Lewis is right in saying that most human beings have minimal understanding of personal sacrifice, and putting the needs of others before their own selfish needs and wants. We all have vices and cruelty may naturally follow such vices.

    Perhaps a good place to start would be to look at the actions of despots throughout the centuries. These powerful people may well have felt their actions were justified for the benefit of mankind. It’s hard to even imagine how the annihilation of a race can be virtuous in any sense.

    Looking at abortion as proponents attempt to justify their actions as simply terminating an unwanted child coming into a world that is overpopulated might be an interesting topic.

    Margaret Sanger, who opened the first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, New York, in 1916 and later founded the American Birth Control League in 1921, which later changed its name to Planned Parenthood in 1942, may well have considered her work as a virtuous effort for the benefit of humankind. Yet, many these days consider this organization no more than an out-of-control business bent on terminating pregnancies at the expense of the unborn.

    Article 1 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution reads: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

    Our forefathers realized the need for certain protections for all citizens (persons born or naturalized) under the laws of the land. This amendment reiterates our rights as citizens for “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

    In essence it declares that cruelty cannot be condoned in this democratic republic! We have certain unalienable rights that have been given to all who are citizens of this uniquely successful form of government.

    Many who are in positions of power seem to be totally out of touch with the needs of the masses these days. Their kindness could easily be considered cruelty.

    We need to pray for our leaders and ask God to change their views and give them a better understanding of true compassion and concern for the lives they may irreparably damage through their attitudes and actions.

    In 2 Peter 1:5-8 we read: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

    We must live life filled with the kindness demonstrated by our Lord Jesus!

    Passages to Ponder

    » Psalm 39:4-5

    » Jeremiah 9:23-24

    » Romans 11:22-23

    » Colossians 3:12-14

    » Titus 3:3-7

    — Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at [email protected] for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.

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