Did you ever meet a person with a lot of Bible knowledge and yet an edge in their character as rough as sandpaper? I have. I’m sure that I’ve even been that person more often than I would like to admit. Is it possible to become such a stickler for truth that one can forget that God’s truth works to produce fruitfulness? One of the evidences in a person’s life of salvation is the manifestation of spiritual fruit through kindness.
God tells us in His Word that His agape love is kind. That is God’s very nature. He is kind. In fact, Jesus plainly stated that our heavenly Father “is kind to the unthankful and evil.”
The book of Psalms, the nation of Israel’s worship song book, refers to God’s kindness. Through the Psalms God reveals that His kindness is both marvelous and merciful. (Psalm 31:21; Psalm 117:2) Isaiah prophesied that Jesus our Redeemer will have mercy on us “with everlasting kindness”. (Isaiah 54:8) Oh, God’s kindness is great!
“What is desired in a man is kindness,” Scripture tells us (Prov 19:22). However, too often our attitudes and actions are harsh, critical, abrasive, and certainly not in harmony with the Spirit of Christ. As followers of Christ, we are exhorted to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving, even as God has been towards us for Christ’s sake.
Have you recognized and experienced God’s kindness in your life? Maybe you have been “going through the mill” lately. Life is tough, and it does take its toll on each of us. However, we must never forget that God is good even when life isn’t. Perhaps that’s one reason why we are exhorted to practice brotherly kindness. We are to be “kindly affectionate to one another” (Rom 12:10) for the benefit of all. Kindness is a powerful virtue, and a Spirit-filled life is one that will display kindness.
Do you know that God’s kindness and love brought salvation to you? His love and kindness go hand in hand, and they bring salvation, deliverance, and healing to others as well. Our Lord is loving and kind, and we are to “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:33-37)
May you both exhibit and experience the kindness of Jesus today and throughout this week. And remember when things get tough, the kindest One who ever walked this earth is with you, dealing kindly!
