Above All Else, Be Kind

Galatians 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Think back to a time when someone treated you with kindness. Don’t you warmly recall that moment in detail? Likewise, others will remember when you respond to them that way. Kindness isn’t supposed to be something we express only when we feel like it. It is fruit of the Spirit and should be a defining characteristic of who we are as God’s children. Just as the Lord pours out His kindness on us, He expects us to be kind as we interact with others (Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Rom. 2:4; Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Eph. 4:32). The apostle Paul tells us, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience …  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:12; Col. 3:14 NIV). Notice how he describes these traits as clothing—something we can put on, something we can grow into. Kindness may not be innate, but thankfully, it can be learned. Ask the Holy Spirit to point out moments where a kind touch is needed from you. And always remember that it not only blesses others but also delights our heavenly Father.

Above All Else, Be Kind

Galatians 5:22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Think back to a time when someone treated you with kindness. Don’t you warmly recall that moment in detail? Likewise, others will remember when you respond to them that way. Kindness isn’t supposed to be something we express only when we feel like it. It is fruit of the Spirit and should be a defining characteristic of who we are as God’s children. Just as the Lord pours out His kindness on us, He expects us to be kind as we interact with others (Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Rom. 2:4; Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Eph. 4:32). The apostle Paul tells us, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience …  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:12; Col. 3:14 NIV). Notice how he describes these traits as clothing—something we can put on, something we can grow into. Kindness may not be innate, but thankfully, it can be learned. Ask the Holy Spirit to point out moments where a kind touch is needed from you. And always remember that it not only blesses others but also delights our heavenly Father.

Unusual Kindness

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. Acts 28:1-2, NIV A new study from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that small gifts, coming as a surprise, have a big impact on the recipient. So do unexpected notes, calls, or texts of encouragement.[1] Have you ever received an unexpected gift—a bouquet of flowers, a box of your favorite tea, a tray of cookies, or some curious item for your kitchen? Someone saw something nice and thought of you.

Here’s a helpful tip learned from generous people. Whenever you’re with a friend and they’re without some small thing, make a mental note of it and send it to them the next day. Suppose someone says, “I’ve thought about trying that new hand cream” or “What book would you recommend?” Imagine their surprise and pleasure to have that item delivered to their house later in the week! The islanders on Malta had little, yet they showed Paul unusual kindness. Being generous doesn’t depend on how much we have to give. God uses even our small acts of generosity to encourage others and bring honor to Him. Be generous to someone today! The closest I can come to one secret of success is this: a lot of little things done well. John Wooden   David Jeremiah

Kindness Without Exception

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

 

James Moore tells about a man named George. George was a peacemaker with a big heart and wonderful sense of humor. Everyone loved George at church, and he was respected at the hospital where he worked. The reason why so many people loved George was because he was always kind and respectful to everyone he met.

George’s children clearly remember the days George spent in the hospital before his death. The administrator of the hospital paid him a visit. They spoke as though they were old friends. A few minutes later one of the janitors came to visit George. They too had a nice visit.

When the janitor left, one of George’s children said to him, “Dad, did you realize that you treated the president of the hospital and the janitor just alike?” George smiled, chuckled, and then said, “Let me ask you something: If the administrator left for two weeks and the janitor left for two weeks, which one do you think would be missed the most?”

Then George called his children around his bed. “Let me show you something I carry in my pocket all the time,” he told them, “even when I mow the lawn.” George pulled out a pocket-sized cross and a marble with the golden rule on it. George said, “On the cross are written these words, ‘God Loves You,’ and on the marble are these words, ‘Do unto Others as You Would Have Them Do unto You.’ The cross reminds me of how deeply God loves me, and the marble reminds me of how deeply God wants me to love others.”¹

God makes no exception of persons, and as His chosen people, we are to do the same. Each person we encounter deserves to be treated kindly, even when they are not kind! These are actually the people that need kindness the most, as they desperately need to be shown the way to Jesus. The Bible says we were ALL sinners and fell short of the glory of God. Jesus died to give salvation to any person who accepts it.

So, whenever the Lord puts someone in your path, regardless of who they are, remember to show the same compassion and kindness that He has shown you.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, help me be an example of your love, patience, and kindness to all those I encounter. Only you know the struggles someone may be facing, and one simple act of kindness can give them the encouragement they need. Use me to bring them to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen. 2

 

1. James W. Moore, WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS…, (Nashville: Dimensions for Living, 1993), p. 78.
2. – From Daily Encounter

Love is Kind

 

“And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up. That’s why whenever we can, we should always be kind to everyone…” Galatians 6:9-10 (TLB)

 

The great leader Mahatma Gandhi was planning to travel by train one day and, because he and a companion were running late, he got on board just in time, but one of Gandhi’s sandals fell off and landed beside the track. They stood there watching his sandal go off in the distance, when Gandhi did a strange thing. He reached down and removed his other sandal and threw it along the track where it landed beside the other sandal. His friend was puzzled by this rather odd behavior and asked why he had done it. Gandhi said: “One sandal is no good to me. But perhaps a poor person will come along, discover both sandals, and be happy that he now has shoes”. This is kindness—and a natural part of Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Instead of worrying about his loss, he thought of the person who would discover and benefit from a complete pair of shoes.

Everyday we are faced with multiple opportunities to show kindness to those around us. When you hold the door open for someone, say “thank you”, share a smile with someone, provide encouragement or words of affirmation for someone who is feeling down… kindness is thinking of others before ourselves. Being kind is part of what love is and is a great way to be an example of Christ to others. Kindness crosses all languages and boundaries and is an act that is easily seen and understood by others.

In a world where everyone is often too busy to think of others, let us choose to be intentionally kind. Someone may be carrying an overwhelming burden, but our kindness could be just what they need to keep going. It may even lead them to Jesus! When we obey in being kind to others, it is amazing to see the blessing and encouragement God gives us as well.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, it can often be easy to focus on “me”. My needs, my feelings, my desires, etc. Today, I ask that you shift my focus to others. Help me be your presence to those around me through the kindness I demonstrate. May it lead others to discover the One who IS love… You! Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

Our world is cursed with cruelty and hatred, and the grain of our hearts towards others is bent towards selfishness. The fruit of the Spirit does not flourish naturally in humans. It is supernaturally planted, and blooms as it is grounded in the Spirit. The word “kind” in Galatians 5:22 translates most accurately to “useful,” and represents the gentle disposition we should have towards meeting the needs of others, that God Himself has shown to us. In light of how half-heartedly kindness is practiced today, it is often forgotten how precious and rare these fruits of the Spirit are, and how carefully they must be cultivated.

Read whole blog at:

https://www.reformation21.org/blog/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-kindness

Let us ever wear the garment of . . .

• ohn Fawcett, “An Essay on Anger” 1824)
  

  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
  

  Let us be very assiduous to cultivate . . .
  the Christian virtues of kindness and forgiveness,
  a ready and hearty submission to the Word of God,
  and a cheerful resignation to His all-wise providence.

  Let us be modest, humble, and lowly in our behavior towards men. Let us ever wear the garment of humility, and the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. This will be more to the honor of our divine Savior and more to the credit of our holy religion, than the most exact orthodoxy.

  If we are wholly destitute of a true Christian temperament, the mind that was in Christ Jesus–then we are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. It matters not to what sect of Christians we professedly adhere. If pride, anger, wrath, and malice reign in our hearts and govern our lives–then all our religion is hypocrisy!

Long-Suffering & Kindness

A Broadcast with R.C. Sproul

In this world, Christians participate in the humiliation of Jesus. How will you handle that? Today, R.C. Sproul considers some of the more difficult fruit of the Holy Spirit to display in trying circumstances.

LISTEN NOW

The Heart of God – Kindness and Goodness

https://raymcdonald.wordpress.com/2019/10/24/the-heart-of-god-kindness-and-goodness/

Yes, Being Gracious Does Make A Difference

Last week was interesting. I corrected a scholar for misrepresenting the title of one of my books and was also corrected by another scholar for a flawed illustration. Why did truth and civility prevail in both exchanges? Let me explain.

Correcting Another

A well-known scholar misrepresented the title of a book of mine in his recent publication. Since his critique was public, I wrote a blog response and sent it to him personally with the aim of being as gracious as I could be. Because he is both kind and secure, he emailed me back and admitted the miscalculation. The exchange was mutually respectful, and he even invited me to join him for coffee next time I travel to the east coast.

Being Corrected

Also last week, a philosopher emailed me a thoughtful critique of an illustration I used in a recent public talk. He opened the by finding common ground, commending me for my positive points, and then offered an insightful critique of my illustration in a gracious manner. I emailed back for some clarification, and then as I thought about it, I realized he was right. The good news is that we’re set to have lunch later this week and explore the issue further.

I have been thinking about these experiences over the past couple weeks. Why were they both successful? Why did these exchanges lead to a deeper grasp of truth and the building of relationships? The answer is simple: We treated each other respectfully and showed grace amidst disagreement.

Amazingly, few people today seem to grasp this truth. We are too busy yelling at each other on social media. While it may feel good to “get” someone on Twitter, does it really lead to good? Are minds really changed? I can imagine the Apostle Paul saying, “Absolutely not!”

Unsuccessful Communication

Here is the kind of communication that might feel good, and get a “thumbs up” from your tribe, but ultimately persuades few (if any):

• Tell someone how they should think
• Call someone names.
• Preach at people.
• Mock someone

Successful Communication

On the other hand, if you really want to influence people on social media, then I suggest a different tack. Rather than telling someone how they should believe, simply ask questions about why they believe as they do. Rather than mock people, treat them charitably as human beings. Rather than preach at people, invite them to consider a different perspective.

If people are not persuaded when you treat them kindly, they likely will not be persuaded at all. And even if they are not persuaded, you still treated them as valuable people made in the image of God. Mission accomplished.

Remember Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

If you just want to incite argument, then keep insulting people, preaching at them, and telling them how they should think. But if you want to genuinely influence people, try being gracious. After all, it is God’s kindness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4).

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