Kindness

August 29th – Hebrews 12:6

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Hebrews 12:6

Author Ellen J Barrier once said, “I believe that parents who love their children do everything for them with love, even discipline.” But even when it’s done from a loving heart, no one likes punishment. Yet the writer of Hebrews tells us to rejoice when we’re being disciplined by God. Because it’s one of the kindest things He can do. For through discipline, we see the love our Father has for His children. As parents ourselves we understand that raising successful, independent, and healthy children comes from training them up in the way they should go. Training rooted in love, correction tempered with compassion, and punishment doled out with mercy. God wants just as much for His children to be successful. So from His great love, He doesn’t turn a blind eye to our mistakes. Instead He disciplines us as much as needed, and only as long as needed. And all for our good and His glory.

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August 28th – Luke 6:16

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Luke 6:16

Judas was a man who stole from the poor, betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, and ultimately hung himself in the potter’s field. But before we’re quick to condemn, we need to examine our own hearts. And look for any traces that might reveal Judas in us. Things like sitting in church every Sunday and declaring Jesus as Lord with our lips, but not our hearts. Or remembering God only when we need something from Him. And calling Him King merely as a way to achieve our own throne and glory. Judas repaid the kindness of Jesus with treachery. And he only regretted his actions because of the consequences they brought. Not because of the deep pain they cause the Lord. As Christians, bursting with gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice, our hearts should grieve when we cause Him to grieve. And work hand in hand with the Holy Spirit to remove any thing in our lives that is a betrayal to the One who gave His life to save ours.

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August 27th – Deuteronomy 9:7

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Deuteronomy 9:7

I think about the story of the Israelites and find myself shaking my head. I wonder how a people, who had repeatedly seen the mighty hand of God caring for them every step of the way, could so easily turn away from Him and His love. Then I think about my own life. And how many times I too have seen His hand at work and still grumbled against Him. How many blessings have I missed out on? Because instead of walking in trust and obedience, I gave in to fear and rebellion. And how many days, weeks, and months I have wasted wandering in the wilderness? Thankfully, we serve a loving, kind, and forgiving God. Even after the people rejected Him, God cared for them as His precious children, meeting their every need. We too are His precious children, and with each step of our spiritual walk He cares for us. And no matter how far we may wander, He is always there ready to joyfully welcome us back.

 

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August 26th – Luke 6:24

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Luke 6:24

No matter how much it may appear that someone’s life is full of prosperity, it means nothing if they haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Because material things may fill our lives but can never fill our hearts. Nor can they provide the comfort and peace of resting in the eternal promises of Jesus. That’s why it’s so important we as Believers, are sharing the gospel. And not just because Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt. 28:19) But also out of kindness, compassion, and love. There are many who are hurting, empty, and lost in this world. Those desperately in search of hope and happiness. We have the great privilege of being able to share with them the “Good News” they are seeking. Everyone of us has a unique testimony to give. And you never know if yours is the one God will use to help one of His lost find their way home!

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August 23rd – Lamentations 3:22-23

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Lamentations 3:22-23

One of things I love most about God is His mercy. Because everyday I make mistakes, fall short, and need the Lord’s forgiveness. Yet no matter how badly I mess up, when I confess and repent, God is faithful to forgive my sins. We serve the Lord of second, third, and fourth chances. And regardless of the mistakes we made the day before, each morning God gives, is the gift of a fresh start. Because of His faithfulness, love, and kindness, each dawn is a blank slate and a new opportunity to get it right. And although some days will be good while others bad, every day we get to spend on earth is a blessing. So each morning thank God because His compassions fail not. And from a heart bursting with gratitude proclaim, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!”

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August 21st – 1 Corinthians 13:4

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1 Corinthians 13:4

1 Corinthians 13 is one of best known passages in the Bible on the subject of love. It’s read at countless weddings, including my own. But weddings and romance weren’t on Paul’s mind in this teaching. Instead Paul’s focus was on a church full of division, who had little interest in the fruit of love. Every day society bombards us with false ideas of what love is. It makes us think that love just happens to us. That we have no control. We’ve all heard the expression “the heart wants what the heart wants”, or someone described as “hopelessly in love”.  But the Bible teaches completely the opposite. Love is a choice we make, something we can control, and the fruit of a spirit filled life. Love is the root of the sacrificial death of Jesus. And as willingly and kindly as He love us, He calls us to love others.

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August 16th – Romans 11:22

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Romans 11:22

I love sitting on my front porch and enjoying the view of the large oak tree in my front yard. The beauty of its leaves in autumn is surpassed only by the size of its massive trunk. It bestows the kindness and nourishment of its leathery nuts to all who hunger. And protection from the storm to those seeking harbor in its sturdy branches. God is the mightiest of oaks. Providing spiritual sustenance and divine protection to those who feed on His Word, and shelter in His branches. A privilege reserved for those He calls His own. And because of His unequaled kindness, through the gift of salvation, we are grafted into His roots. And as long as we “continue in His kindness,” staying firmly perched in His tree, never rejecting Him or His Word, not ever will we hunger, nor any storm overtake us.

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August 15th – Colossians 3:12

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Colossians 3:12

One of the hardest choices we make in the morning, is what to wear. Often I find myself standing in front of my closet wishing I had a personal stylist. But guess what? As Christians we have access to an outfit that is perfect for every occasion and never goes out of style! As our Redeemer, Jesus takes our filthy rags of wickedness and clothes us in the ultimate designer clothes of His righteous glory. Magnificent robes that are to sparkle with the Lord’s kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bearing one another in love, and forgiving each other with same grace shown to us. Through the blood of Jesus we are now citizens of heaven. And each day we are to dress like it. Obediently wearing our heavenly attire that reflects “those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved,” for all to see!

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August 14th – Titus 1:7

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Titus 1:7

The church at Crete was struggling, so Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders as overseers. Not an easy job, because the church was being influenced by the morally corrupt Cretan culture. The men Titus chose had to be spiritual, with characters above reproach. For they would need strength against the evil and ungodly pulls of the world.  Much like today, the believers at Crete lived in a society which was trying to rid itself of God. But no matter what this wicked world says or does, the Lord calls us to hold fast to the truth of His Word. For we too are overseers in God’s church. Elders who need to lead godly lives, allowing Christ to work in and through us. Drawing others to Him through kindness, goodness, honesty, and patience. And when we know God’s truths and hold them in our hearts, we won’t be led astray by false teachers, wrong doctrines, and those “who turn away from the truth” (Titus 1:14).

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August 13th – 1 Peter 4:10

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1 Peter 4:10

Recently I went through a drive-thru. I pulled up to the window to find the car ahead had paid for my order. Pleasantly surprised by the generous gift, I happily paid for the car behind me to keep the blessing ball rolling. Each Christian is given a spiritual gift. Whether it be leadership, discernment, giving, helping, or teaching, each of us receives a gift of God’s choosing. And He  expects us to take that blessing and pay it forward. For just as God told Israel, we are blessed to in turn bless others.  (Gen. 12:2-3) Evangelical author Neil T Anderson wrote, “Your greatest fulfillment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the Lord.” If we want to glorify the Lord, we need to be willing to take the blessing ball God passes to us and pass it on. Serving others generously, giving kindness, encouragement, and strengthening to all who need it.

August 13th – 1 Peter 4:10 Read More »