“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)

It is the first, or at least one of the first, lessons that is taught in a children’s Sunday School class. “Be ye kind one to another.” Then if you watch adults, they may need a refresher course on kindness. We continue to be a society that has become more hostile to each other. And yet, God in His patience continues to show us His kindness.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)

It is the recurring theme throughout the time of the Judges and the Kings of Israel, during the United and Divided Kingdoms, they “did evil in the eyes of the LORD.” And yet, Isaiah the prophet would remind the people, “’In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,’ says the LORD your Redeemer.” (Isaiah 54:8) Also, Jeremiah would add, “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’” (Jeremiah 31:3) It is this love and kindness which has been poured out to us through Jesus Christ.

When we receive God’s love and kindness, it is to so change us that now we respond to those who need Christ and to each other with this same love and kindness. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) As God clothed Adam and Eve in the Garden, we are to clothe ourselves with God’s character of “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” When we are filled with God’s Spirit the result should be “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) In both lists God want us to be able to express His love and kindness. This is because  “God’s kindness is intended to lead . . . to repentance.” (Romans 2:4b)

On the website, biblestudytools.com, there is a prayer offered with this aim in mind. It reads:

“Father, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness describe Your character. How can I be more like You, Father? How can I be an outlet of Your kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to the people You have purposefully placed in my life? Show me, Father. Open my heart to remember the words of my Savior and feel the all-encompassing love of You, my heavenly Father. I am loved, chosen, purposed, and forgiven. Therefore, embolden me to pray, live, and love in a reflection of these great truths about who and Whose I am. Guide my prayers and my life. Let all I do, honor You. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

As we walk with the Living Word and the Written Word of God, may we show His kindness to a world in need of His Love.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block