From Genesis to Revelation, the
WORD of GOD is a recounting of the Father’s kindness to His children. God is kind
not only to those who love Him but also to
those who are unthankful and wicked. Luke 6:35.
Since God’s children are a
reflection of His nature, all who claim this special kinship with Him ought also
show kindness to others.
By God’s continuous love and
undeserved kindness to His children, we are privileged to call Him our Abba Father
and claim eternal life with Him. We can do nothing on our own to warrant having such priceless benefits;
our Father’s kindness alone opened up a way for us to share in His glory, through His Son.
- In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 5:10
- Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4
- He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8
We too have the spiritual gift for showing kindness to
others and must do it
gladly. (Romans 12:8)
Just as the kindness we received from God the
Father is undeserved, we must show kindness to people whom we may think of as undeserving. We must
offer acts of kindness to all without fanfare or expectation of return, and do it with
love.
Christian author and Pastor J.
R. Miller (1840 – 1912) wrote these very thoughtful insights on kindness in an
essay titled, The Splendor of Kindness:
Kindness has been called the small coin of love. The
word is generally used to designate the little deeds of thoughtfulness and
gentleness which make no noise in the world — rather than the large heroic acts
which all men note and applaud. One may live many years and never have the
opportunity of doing any great thing — but one may always be kind, filling all
one’s day with gentle attentions, helpful ministries, little services of
interest and sympathy, and small courtesies. …Kindness is beautiful in its
spirit and motive. It usually springs out of the heart spontaneously. The
greater things men do are prepared for, planned for, and are done consciously,
with intention and purpose. Kindness as a rule, is done unconsciously without
preparation, without thought. This enhances its beauty. There is no
self-seeking in it, no thought of reward of any kind. It is done in simplicity,
prompted by love, and is most pleasing to Christ.
I especially like the last
sentence – “There is no self-seeking
in it (kindness), no thought of reward of any kind. It is done in simplicity,
prompted by love, and is most pleasing to Christ.”
We are to be kind because it
pleases Christ and because our Father tells us in numerous places in His WORD why a child of God must be
- We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 2 Corinthians 6:6
- The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,… Galatians 5:22
- Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
- A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:24
- Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
- Kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. Philemon 1:7
Love is kind. 1
Corinthians 13:4
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our God and Father, You are the very
essence of goodness, gentleness, love and kindness. Forgive us for our
shortcomings in the matter of showing true kindness, that which is motivated by love and not selfish
ambition and pride. Increase our passion to love you as you have asked us to – with all of our hearts, minds, souls
and strength, because when we do as you command, the rest would come easily to
us, as it does to you. Thank you for your undeserved kindness that leads us to
sorrowful repentance and causes us to do better each and every day. Our eyes are on
you LORD, to WHOM belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask
all things in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and LORD. Amen.
Always by God’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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