KINDNESS

     Have you ever wished that you lived in a more kind and gentle world?  I have.  When you think of kindness, what comes to your mind?  Nice encouraging words spoken from a friend that you just poured you heart out to.  Perhaps those cookies that your grandmother made just for you.  A smile or hug just when you needed it.  It can be just a friendly smile from a friend or even a stranger.  But what does the Bible say kindness is?

     The Holman Bible Dictionary defines kindness as the steadfast love that maintains relationships through gracious aid in times of need.

     In these trying times we are living in, mankind needs this kindness and steadfast love that only comes from God.  Kindness is a characteristic of God that led Him to provide Salvation to us.  

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

 (Titus 3: 4-5)

God has given us provision for everything we need by the sacrificial death of his Son on Calvary.  This means all spiritual,  physical and emotional needs.

     In Psalms 23: 2-3  God promises to lead his weary children to green pastures, quiet waters and the restoration of our souls.  God does that when we quiet our emotions, call upon Him and rest in His presence!

     In Matthew 23:37  Jesus wept over Jerusalem and said He longed to gather his children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they were not willing.  God in loving kindness wants to gather us under His wings to protect us and keep us close to Him.  Le us not be unwilling.  Instead run quickly and cleave to His shelter and protection.  It is His kindness that leads our Good Shepherd to rescue us from the wolf in sheep's clothing.

     Are we kind and compassionate to others?  It is easy to be kind to those who treat us well, but what about those who are difficult and down right mean.  Jesus commands us to be kind even to our enemies.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbors and hate your enemy.'  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven..."  (Matthew 5: 43-45)  NIV

How can we possibly do that?  By having the love of God in our hearts.  When we find it difficult to love people who irritate us by their rudeness, hatred or bad behavior, we can confess our shortcomings and ask God to increase our love.  We want His love to shine through us to others.  Love and kindness has to be genuine or we will be labeled a fake.  Remember too that love tells the truth!  Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth.  Let us not be rude, but tell the truth in love and kindness.  Sometimes to be loving and kind to others we must first forgive them.  

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, jhust as in Christ God forgave you."  (Eph. 4:32)  NIV

     Dear Heavenly Father as your children, we want to be Christlike.  Help us to day to yield ourselves to you and be led by Your Spirit.  We want to be your vessels of love and kindness to all that we meet today.  In Jesus Name we pray.

Amen.