KINDNESS
24th Mar 2021
The dictionary definition of “kindness” uses the words friendly, generous, considerate, warmth, tenderness, selflessness, benevolence; it’s not easy to fully define. Mark Twain, an American author, calls it, “A language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
The Bible has quite a lot to say about kindness. God is kind and we are encouraged to emulate that characteristic. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
2 Timothy 2:24 says, “The Lord’s servant….must be kind to everyone.”
In Galatians 5:22, “Kindness” is listed as a part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Fruit that can be picked by others!
In Proverbs 11:17 it says, “A kind man benefits himself.”
In one sense “kindness” is a practical demonstration of love, and love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, more Holy Spirit = more love, more kind handling of people and situations we find ourselves dealing with.
Scripture encourages us to earnestly desire spiritual gifts. Do you pursue “kindness”? It is wonderful when you are on the receiving end. But I also see “kindness” opening doors to Jesus who always treats us kindly, even corrects us kindly. Romans 2:4 states, “God kindness leads you towards repentance.”
Let’s renew our desire to be kind, to use kind words, to act in kind ways to all those we come into contact with, and to be kind to ourselves. Be thankful for all the “kindness” you have received and let us actively, purposefully seek to be kind in all our interactions.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
