The blessing of kindness

I was extremely saddened and disturbed to see some of the images from yesterday’s anti-Trump protest in London.  One grey-haired gentlemen (described as a ‘Trump supporter’) was confronted by an angry, snarling mob who were crying out “Nazi scum” and jostling both him and the nearby female police officer.  Another clip showed an elderly man being pushed to the ground for daring to hold differing views.  Whatever we may think of Mr Trump, there is absolutely no excuse for such behaviour.

Increasingly, we are seeing in relation to many areas of life, violent and abusive comments (and sometimes actions) flying about with little discrimination.  It seems that people have become far less tolerant of opposing views, and somehow unable to engage in calm debate on issues.    One of the questions asked recently on BBC’s Question Time programme was, “Why is everyone so angry about everything all the time?”  It sometimes seems like that is the case. The voice of calm reasons appears almost silent.

I was pleased, therefore, to read a recent post on Twitter by Annunziata Rees-Mogg (one of the newly elected MEPs).  She made the comment in relation to a parliamentary candidate from another political party who has been widely and vociferously condemned for an action some time ago.  Rees-Mogg commented, “We all make mistakes, have compassion. We all have opinions, listen. We are fallible, be kind.”    If only we as a society could take those words on board!

Interestingly, in response to the Question Time question, MP Barry Gardiner made the point that many people have become so consumed with their own rights and what they feel is owed to them, that they have overlooked their duties and responsibilities.  They ask, “what can I get out of it?”, but fail to ask “what can I contribute?”  Jesus himself said, ‘It is better to give than to receive.’’  Like Rees-Mogg, Gardiner also called for more kindness in our treatment of each other.  Kindness is one of the fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul.  I pray that in the life of the Church and in society in general we may find the ability to display maturity, understanding and kindness, even where we strongly disagree.

Ephesians 4.32, 'Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you'