04/29/2024

Today’s “virus of meanness” must be combated with faith and kindness, according to this impassioned outing from pastor Evans (Kingdom Politics). Reminding readers that God “calls us to love others for the glory of His name,” Evans describes how small, tangible actions like mowing someone’s lawn can cumulatively help to repair a culture dominated by a “me-first mentality.” By practicing such kindnesses on a daily basis, Christians can ultimately shape a world that centers “God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom agenda” while also reaping divine blessings themselves. Evans brings plenty of his usual charisma to this spirited reminder to do good even when it’s inconvenient, though the profusion of strained metaphors sometimes serves to confuse more than clarify (“Far too many Christians resemble the moon. We enjoy our lit side and want to shine.... But we also have a dark side. The dark side reeks of selfishness, secrets, and scandal. To avoid showing anyone our dark side, we wear a mask”). Still, it’s a solid resource on the challenges and rewards of loving one’s neighbor. (July)