Kindness

August 11th – 1Corinthians 13:4-5

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1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Loving one another doesn’t always come easy. And some days, it doesn’t come at all. And although no one can love as unconditionally and perfectly like Jesus, still we are called to love like Him just the same. But what is Christlike love? Contrary to popular culture, it isn’t butterflies in the stomach, or a sappy song on the radio. Genuine, Christlike love isn’t found in a feeling. Rather it’s found in the way we treat others. Each time we show patience, kindness, and goodness to another, we are loving them the way Jesus does. Christlike love isn’t envious of another’s blessings or based in arrogance and pride. It doesn’t intentionally hurt others, nor keep a scorecard of another’s past mistakes. Instead it demonstrates it’s deep love for God by obediently loving others not in words, but in godly deeds.

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August 10th – Galatians 5:1

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Galatians 5:1

As the perfect fulfillment of the Law, with His death the Lord freed us from living under a set of rules. Yet because we’re all in various stages of our spiritual growth, what we feel free to do or not do means different things to different people. And Paul tells we need to respect those differences with patience and kindness. Instead of saying, “I’m not giving up my rights because another Christian hurt feelings about it!”, say, “From a Christlike love, it’s better to limit my own freedom than to cause a weaker believer to stumble.” Paul knows of what he speaks. As an apostle personally chosen by Jesus, Paul was entitled to certain rights specified by God. But instead of claiming these rights, he voluntarily laid them aside for a greater reward. (1 Cor. 18-19, 23) Paul thought it a great privilege to serve the Lord. And although he never compromised his convictions, he was more than willing to put his comfort, needs, opinions, and rights behind those of others. And all to grow God’s kingdom.

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August 9th – Hebrews 12:15

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Hebrews 12:15

As followers of Jesus we are to show the grace of God to all we meet. For we are His representatives here in the world. And as Paul tells us, “a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Cor. 2:15) Meaning our lives should be such wonderful testimonies of the love and grace of Jesus, they are lights to those who receive Him, and a condemnation to those who reject Him. But we can’t be those glorious reflections if our roots are tangled in bitterness, anger, and strife. Because such things only lead to trouble in our life and the lives of others. Instead we need to be deeply rooted in God and nourished by His grace. Only then will we be able to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving; just as God in Christ forgave us.

 

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August 7th – 1 John 3:1

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1 John 3:1

God didn’t hold back His goodness waiting for Saul, the persecutor of Jews, to become Paul, the apostle of Christ. Instead He showed grace, love, and kindness to Saul while he was knee deep in his wretchedness. Because God doesn’t want us waiting to come to Him until we’re “all cleaned up”, and ready to go. He wants us to come to Him as we are, dirty, broken, and hurting. To leave the cleaning up to Him. For He showers us with His Spirit who washes us anew, working to mold us into the image of Christ. The truth is, in our own wretchedness we could never get our filthy rags clean enough to stand before Almighty God. So in His unmerited kindness and love, He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ. Through whose shed blood we can be transformed from a Paul to a Saul, and most wonderful of all, be called children of God.

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August 6th – 2 Chronicles 10:14

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2 Chronicles 10:14 

After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam traveled to Shechem to meet with Israel and be crowned king. The people took the change of power as an opportunity to plead for kindness and mercy from their new ruler. In return for lower work loads and taxes, they would give to Rehoboam their loyalty and servitude. But the king, after listening to bad advice, sent back an answer not of grace and mercy, but of threats and violence. And the result? The people killed the new taskmaster. A rebellion arose, the kingdom of Israel was split in two, and Rehoboam fled for his life. Our decisions and actions can have long lasting and tragic consequences. Had Rehoboam chosen kindness, not only would he have glorified God, but brought peace throughout the land.

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August 4th – Philippians 2:3

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Philippians 2:3

I once heard humility described as not thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking of yourself less. In his writings, the apostle Paul stressed the importance of humility in the Christian walk. As exampled by Jesus, humility and kindness go hand in hand. And if we want to mimic our Lord, we can’t have overinflated egos that leave no room for the needs of others. Jesus lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a humiliating, excruciatingly painful death nailed to a Cross. He willingly became our substitute for sin, paying the debt we owed. All in accordance to the will of God and out of His love and kindness for mankind. We are Christ’s ambassadors on earth. And although we’ll never be able to repay His wonderful gift of salvation, making sure our actions reflect His humility and kindness is a great place to start!

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August 2nd – 2 Samuel 9:3

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2 Samuel 9:3

After waiting over 15 years to become king, David finally had it all. The power, the riches, and the kingdom. And you’d think he’d spend his time basking in his own glory. Yet instead, one of his first concerns was showing kindness to the heirs of his enemy. In reality, David owed Saul nothing. And who would blame him for wanting revenge after all Saul put David through? Besides, no one would know any different. Because the only living heir was a cripple boy named Mephibosheth. He was the son of David’s best friend Jonathan, whose existence had  been hidden from the world. But even if no one else ever knew of David’s actions, God would. And so out of the kindness shown to him by the Lord and his love for Jonathon, David restored to Mephibosheth Saul’s riches and a gave him a place of honor at David’s table. Nothing is hidden from the Lord. And being kind for the benefit of His eyes alone is the sweetest kindness of all.

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August 1st – Ruth 2:21

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Ruth 2:21

Pastor John Bunyan said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” As an attribute of God, kindness is an important theme throughout the Bible. And perfectly exampled by Boaz, a wealthy man from Bethlehem. God had been good to Boaz, blessing him with much. So when he saw the less fortunate Ruth, he allowed her to glean in his fields. And not stopping there, he ordered his men to leave extra for her to glean, gave her food, and offered her protection. Boaz did all of this out of obedience and thankfulness for the kindness God show him. A kindness He shows daily to us as well. One we could never deserve, yet freely given by God just the same. So today won’t you join in me being a Boaz? And reach out to someone in kindness for kindness, and God’s sake!

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February 25th – Proverbs 3:3-4

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Proverbs 3:3-4

When it comes to having a godly character, kindness and truth are two very important qualities. For both are extensions of love. And God calls us to love others the same way He loves us. For we cannot be good representatives of Christ on earth if we don’t mirror His ways. Impossible on our own, but through the work and help of the Holy Spirit, we can tattoo God’s commandments on our hearts. And hearts truly belonging to God will treat those around us with the same gentleness, love, and truth Jesus treats us with every day.

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