Ephesians Chapter 2: Verse:7(NIV)
In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians Chapter 4: Verse 32 (NIV)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Romans Chapter 2: Verse 4 (NIV)
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?
We could try and make a list of all the qualities of God and make a study of each one, but today it was His kindness as mentioned in Ephesians 2:7 that tugged at me this morning. God, who is powerful, holy and just, made a way to execute righteous judgement on our sin by choosing to show His kindness through the redemptive work of Christ. We look at how Jesus dealt with people and in Him we see also the epitome of kindness. But, as His followers, that means that we need to emulate that behaviour and that means being kind to everyone.
In biblical terms, kindness is selfless, compassionate, and merciful; its greatest power revealed in practice to our enemies, and as Jesus tells us, “amongst the least of these.”
A practical definition of what kindness is can be found on a website called, “Kindnessiseverything.com” On its opening page we read that, ‘Kindness is the sincere and voluntary use of one’s time, talent, and resources to better the lives of others, one’s own life, and the world through genuine acts of love, compassion, generosity, and service.’ (Kindnessiseverything.com)
Kindness involves choice because there are many alternatives to kindness that will tempt us through life — including, of course, apathy and anger. Circumstances may test us. People may try us. News may trouble us. Yet, despite these obstacles, we each have the ability to actively choose to be kind, as God in Jesus did. We did not deserve to have God’s grace extended to us, and we certainly have done nothing to earn it. But we are humbled and brought to repentance by that very kindness.
Therefore, we too need to choose to extend kindness without favour, and not merely to those who we love, or to those we think deserve it. We need to extend it to all those we come across, whenever the opportunity presents itself. That act of kindness, especially to someone who, in our eyes, does not merit it, is a practical example to us of the gift of God we have received. And it may well be the means of extending God’s love to the person. We should never underestimate the difference that an act of kindness can make, not just in a practical sense, but also in a spiritual one.
Dear Lord,
I sometimes feel overwhelmed by Your kindness and grace. But in a small measure let me turn that into being an instrument for Your kindness, and help me not to be selective in the way it is extended. May I choose to practice kindness no matter how it is received, as a refection of Your Spirit in my life. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.