Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

Aging is often portrayed with the stereotype of a cranky individual who has no patience with anyone and complains about everything. Unfortunately, we may at times fit that description a little too well. We might even think we have earned the right to behave that way!

Aging does not provide an excuse for behavior that dishonors the Lord. We have a lifetime of experience in following Jesus. We may now have more time available to study God’s Word as we learn to put away “bitterness and wrath and anger” (Ephesians 4:31). At every age, we are to be kind and to forgive as we have been forgiven. We do not conform to a cranky stereotype. We imitate Jesus and in doing that, at any age, we still need practice!

Carol Geisler
Orange, CA

Jesus, help me to walk in love as you did. Amen.

Reflect: Practice the kindness of Christ with everyone you meet.

Read: Ephesians 4:31-32 and John 13:34-35