Photo by Kelli McClintock
By Mike Chaffin
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 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
Last week we read in Titus 3:3 how badly we lived in envy, before Christ. However, the Christian virtue replacing envy is God’s kindness. Since we are to be holy and Christlike, God gave us His kindness as an attribute of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22
Years ago, I created a bumper sticker that read, ‘Commit a Senseless Act of Kindness Today’. It was a play on the then frequent news headline about another senseless act of violence being committed. Many times, these senseless acts of violence were done out of envy and evil desires. Kindness on the other hand asks for nothing in return.
God showed kindness to us so we could come to repentance.
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4
It is so important that when God judged Israel and sent them into captivity He said through the prophet Hosea,
Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel! The Lord has brought charges against you, saying: “There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land. Hosea 4:1
Job pointed out the faulty thinking of not showing kindness,
He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Job 6:14.
Kindness isn’t weakness, it’s wise, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We need to show kindness and be known for our kindness in all we do.
Micah, in his reproof to the people of Israel told them the three main things they could do to honor God’s requirement on their life,
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
As we grow in Christian maturity we must grow in kindness. To do this means to show kindness in all circumstances, even in conflict.
Prayer: Thank you for your loving kindness in my life. Lord, help me to grow in kindness. Let your light shine through me reflecting your kindness to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
