Why are you nice?
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. –Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
Why are you nice? It’s nice to be nice. A lot of people are nice. Some are genuinely nice people. Some are nice because they want something from us. Many are nice because they know life generally goes more smoothly when we're nice. Can I tell you something? Nice doesn’t come natural for me. Ask anyone – they’ll tell you.
For me to be nice is very literally a work of the Holy Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are somewhat more common for me than they once were, but getting to that point has often felt like being dragged through a knot-hole. Oh, it’s easy enough being nice to those who are nice to me, but then there’s everyone else, which turns out to be a lot of people, many of whom I find to be quite annoying.
In fairness, I haven’t encountered too many people who are deliberately mean to me; most are just indifferent, too busy to care much one way or the other. That’s the world we live in, and the space where I believe we can make a difference. In the bustle and hurry of life, noticing people and choosing to be positive, helpful, and kind has become increasingly uncommon, and therefore, notable.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? –Matthew 5:46-47 (NIV)
So when I've done something that someone considers "nice", I'd like them to understand that's being sourced from outside of me. Sometimes I’ll drop hints: “Have a blessed day!” as I leave the checkout. “How can I pray for you today?” after the waiter takes my food order, (with a generous tip after dinner). “Man, isn’t our God an incredible artist?!” when I see one of my neighbors outside while walking at sunset. Asking co-workers to pray for me when I’m going through some personal trial and offering to do the same for them.
These aren’t stunning displays of evangelistic fervor. I confess I am often far too timid in speaking His Name. At the same time, I'm hoping such patterns raise awareness of my loyalties in a non-threatening and not obnoxious way. Maybe communicate an open door for discussion to someone on their own spiritual journey. And especially if the words are accompanied by evidence that whatever it is I’ve found is bringing me peace and making a difference in how I relate to life.
Look, I know there is evil in the world. We’re in a fight. We need to stand for the right, know why it’s right, and be willing to articulate that to the best of our ability. But our struggle is not against flesh and blood. We’re not called to win hearts and minds using the weapons of this world. So here’s my prayer: “LORD, make us wise, winsome, and bold in Your Name. Lead us to people of peace and help us reflect Jesus to our world.” Amen?
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. –1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)