A Safe Person

A Safe Person

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

Ephesians 4:2

“Why do you and Julie bicker so much?” Kyle asked me one evening as we were heading home from a dinner with Julie and Aaron.

“We’re not bickering so much as we’re working out what we think about things,” I replied.

As I thought more about his question, I realized the reason for our “bickering” was even deeper than that. Julie is someone I can share thoughts and struggles with, who listens without judgment, and who talks through ideas with me. She loves me like family, and I love her the same way. She is safe, and I trust that she would not hurt me intentionally. As I considered all the things I love and appreciate about Julie, I wondered, Am I a safe person for others? Am I someone who listens and loves without judgment or fear of rejection? I certainly hope I am. I may not demonstrate these things perfectly, but they’re qualities I want to strive for.

Sometimes it feels like the world is full of people who can be harsh, unforgiving, and cold, making it easy to give in to the negativity that surrounds us. Scripture is quick to remind us that we are always to be humble, gentle, and patient with one another, graciously making allowance for one another’s faults and mistakes. This sounds a lot like my friend Julie. This sounds a lot like a safe person who will love people well despite their faults or imperfections. It may not always be easy to love people the way that Jesus asks us to, and at times, showing kindness seems to go against our natural instincts or the way we would really like to treat people. But God’s command is very clear, and although we may follow it imperfectly, we should each strive to be a safe person for the people in our lives.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Look for an opportunity to be a safe person for your family members, coworkers, or even strangers that you encounter.