When in Doubt Be Kind

All too often in this life we have to make difficult decisions. Faced with moral quandaries, we're left to choose the least worst option. That's not easy. So, in those critical moments of making choices that can have huge ramifications, how do you choose? What's your guiding light when things are murky? In 1940, Chiune Sugihara was the Japanese consul in Lithuania. Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution begged him for transit visas, but Japanese law forbade issuing them without proper papers. Sugihara faced a grave moral quandary: obey orders or save lives. Moved by compassion, he chose kindness. For weeks, he handwrote thousands of visas, often for 18 hours a day, knowing it could cost him his career. But because of his decision, an estimated 6,000 Jews escaped the Holocaust. Courageous stuff, wouldn't you agree? And here's the rub: when making those difficult decisions, kindness requires courage. Colossians 3:12 God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. That word "holy" means to be set apart for a good purpose – to be different; immersed in the darkness that all too often surrounds us, to stand apart and be a light. That word "holy" rolls off the tongue ever so easily, but in the unholy world in which we live it's a tough choice to make. Mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience aren't situational — their part of the Christian's everyday "clothing."  So, when you're unsure how to respond, start with that. If in doubt, be kind. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.