The Bible from Genesis through
Revelation reveal all aspects of the divine character of GOD. We learn that GOD is awe-inspiring in His sovereignty
and majesty (1
Chronicles 29:11) but we learn also that GOD is tender and generous in His kindness
(Isaiah
63:7.)
GOD is kind not just to those
who love Him but to the ungrateful and
evil (Luke 6:35. All
whom He created benefits from GOD’s kindness, (For He
causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the
righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew
5:45;) but GOD is especially kind to those who have
relationship and kinship with Him through His SON.
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
“…you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48
We are only children of GOD
who are born
of GOD. As we exhibit the character traits of our birth parents, we who are
His children must also reflect the character of our heavenly Father. GOD is
kind so we must practice kindness also, especially to others in His family (Galatians 6:10.)
Our kindness to each
other pleases GOD. But here’s the hard part, GOD
wants us to be kind to our enemies as well (Luke 6:27-28.) This can be a difficult
pill for us to swallow but those who belong to GOD must obey GOD and not act on
our feelings. We must please the Spirit who lives in us and not our flesh. For
those who are led by the Spirit of GOD are the children of GOD (Romans 8: 14.)
And kindness is a fruit
of the Spirit with no restrictions.
Be kind even if you think it’s undeserved.
God our Savior showed us how
good and kind he is. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any
good things that we have done. Titus 3:4-5
We received kindness from GOD
that we didn’t deserve.
GOD sent His One and Only SON
to the cross for undeserving, unrepentant sinners like you and me. (While we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8) We don’t get to
decide who’s deserving and who’s not. GOD alone is judge.
We get to exercise the privilege of obeying GOD’s law which says be kind to
others – without limits, or fanfare, or expectation of return, and to whomever
needs it; and do it out of love. (Ephesians
4:32; 1
Corinthians 13:4)
Kindness is a virtue every child
of GOD must desire to live by:
- 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, …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
Christian author and Pastor J. R. Miller
(1840 – 1912) wrote in his essay, 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
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.
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O GOD! Psalm 36:7
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Loving Father, YOU are the essence
and source of kindness. Forgive us when we fall short of living out the virtue of
kindness and help us to reflect more of YOUR character in our daily lives and
less of selfishness and pride. Thank YOU for giving to us undeserved kindness
that leads us to repentance and new life in CHRIST. To YOU belong all dominion
and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of our
Savior and LORD, CHRIST JESUS. Amen.
Always by God’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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