“Make sure you don’t forget your homework!” Make sure you have your lunch! Make sure you watch the traffic! Make sure you wear your coat! Make sure you say please and thank you today! Make sure you’re nice to your teacher and friends! Make sure…make sure”…can you hear the echo of your mother’s voice from childhood years when she sent you out the door? It’s not that mom’s liked to bark orders (well, maybe SOME did) but giving those reminders was part of her duties to raise a child who could be a responsible adult some day.

I found another voice that said “make sure”. His name is Paul, the apostle. In his letter to the Thessalonians he wrote “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” I find it interesting that he used a firm command in the beginning of this sentence…”make sure”…only to add later “always try”. What did Paul know? Did he have some previous experiences with these folks to remember how they slipped up with their behavior? Were some of them hard-headed or rebellious? I tend to think the answer is yes. Better yet, I’m pretty certain Paul knew these Christians weren’t always loving, unwilling to  always be kind, and needed reminders, just like a child going out the door requires his mom’s constant instruction. Paul–and moms–full of wisdom, having lived beyond the years of a child or a new Christian, know that “Making sure” isn’t going to happen all the time. So, because failures WILL happen Paul introduced the idea of “at least try”.

Can you hear those words echo in your mind? “Try to ride your new bike. Please. One more time. You can do it. Will you at least “try” to like John even though he bugs you? Will you “try” eating broccoli again? Will you “try” to forget what happened the last time you played with Kathy?

Unlike the “at least try” memories from childhood, Paul’s directions for “always try” go deeper than new bikes, pesty friends, and strange foods. They penetrate the very core of the heart. At least, for me, this is true. These two simple words–“always try”–are really quite an unattainable goal for me, even on my best days.

Paul’s guidance? “Always try” to be kind to everyone. Notice, it’s not only those people you get along with, but um….everyone. Everyone. Did you hear it? Did it click yet in your brain? In case you missed it let me say it again–everyone. Did I hear an ouch?

I don’t know who your “everyone” is that affects your ability to exercise kindness and love. However, I do know my own and must confess I’ve got some “making sure” and “always trying” to do every day. At the end of each day– and more importantly at the end of my life– when I meet Jesus to face-to-face– I want to hear His voice…the echo of His loving affirmation with a simple yet profound “well done” My faithful one. When you were unable to “make sure” you “always tried”.