OUR PASTOR
Pastor Keith Weatherford
Several years ago, while serving as a youth leader, I learned quickly how important it was to talk with high school students about the difference between being nice and being kind. Teenagers have a particular gift for eye rolls, snide remarks, sarcasm, cynicism, and quick judgment (not unlike some adults). They are perceptive; they can spot what is shallow from a mile away. But beneath that sharp exterior is often a deep desire for authenticity. They want to know what is real—and whether our faith actually shapes how we live. So, we talked about the difference between being nice and being kind. Being nice, we realized, usually takes much less effort. They knew instinctively that being nice often means using polite words, offering a quick smile, or avoiding conflict. It may involve holding back a critical comment or saying what is socially expected. Niceness smooths interactions and keeps things comfortable. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. Courtesy and friendliness are good gifts and should be practiced regularly. But niceness alone can remain surface-level. It often costs us very little. Kindness, on the other hand, is something deeper. In fact, throughout the biblical canon, kindness, in various forms such as mercy, steadfast love, and compassion, is mentioned more than 400 times. The word “nice”? Not once. Scripture does not call us to be nice. It calls us to love kindness.
From the Prophet Micah we hear the familiar words: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Notice that the prophet does not simply say to practice kindness when it is convenient. We are called to love kindness—to cherish it, pursue it, and embody it. The Hebrew word behind “kindness” here is hesed, a rich term that also means steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and mercy. This is not politeness. This is durable, committed love that shows up in action. It is love that remains when emotions fade and when circumstances are difficult. Niceness might mean avoiding a difficult conversation to keep the peace. Loving kindness might mean entering that conversation gently and honestly for the sake of healing. Niceness might mean treating others well when they treat us well. Loving kindness means extending grace even when it is undeserved. Niceness keeps things pleasant. Loving kindness seeks what is good and life-giving for our neighbor. And this is where it becomes challenging, especially in times of uncertainty. We live in a world marked by division, anxiety, and rapid change. It is tempting to retreat into our own circles or to respond with sarcasm and judgment. It is easier to remain polite at a distance than to move toward someone who frustrates us or disagrees with us. In uncertain times, self-protection can feel more natural than compassion.
Yet our calling as followers of Christ is not to protect our comfort, but to reflect God’s heart. In Jesus, we see loving kindness embodied. He touched those considered untouchable. He ate with those pushed to the margins. He spoke truth, forgave generously, and consistently moved toward those in need. His kindness was not superficial. It was courageous, costly, and transformative. To love kindness today means asking ourselves hard questions. Where am I settling for being merely nice? Where is God inviting me to step beyond politeness into patience, generosity, or forgiveness? Who in my life needs not just a pleasant word, but my time, attention, and grace? As a congregation of the ELCA, we are called to be a community shaped by Word and Sacrament, a community where God’s steadfast love forms us to reflect that same love in the world. Imagine if we were known not simply as friendly people, but as people of deep, active, resilient kindness. May we be people who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. And may the Spirit give us the courage to move beyond being nice into the transformative work of loving kindness—especially when it is hard.
In hope, Peace, and Christ’s love,
Pastor Keith
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Please contact the church office for more information or if you would like to schedule a visit.
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Email pastorkeith@helenastjohns.org or call (406) 442-6270
