Prayer – Lord, I want to be kind to others—just as You were and are.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Meditate.
Consider the attribute of kindness.
Kindness is a virtue that is characterized by
good and charitable behavior with a pleasant disposition and concern for
others. The act of kindness shows a loving attitude towards others. It is
beneficial to both the one giving and the one receiving the kindness and
results in contentment and relaxation. Ahhh. Good definition. I think that God is the
source of kindness. He is the example for us at both extremes. The fulfillment
and the absence of kindness. In the verse below, Paul is addressing God’s relationship
to His chosen people, the Jews. Those who didn’t believe were cut off from the
main olive plant, and believing Gentiles were grafted into the tree. Read Romans
11 in context for more understanding. This is still so very relevant for today.
It is always best to read scripture in context. Paul explains some of the
Jewish history using examples of Old Testament scripture throughout this
chapter. We need to continue to keep our eyes on Israel as God is not finished
with them yet.
Rocks marking the path.
A sign of kindness.
Utah
Notice how God is both kind and
severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed (Jews), but kind to you (Gentiles)
if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also
will be cut off. Romans 11:22 NLT
God’s
hope for us is that we become like His Son, Jesus Christ. In doing that we need
to become kind to others, as Jesus was. Consider the kindness and compassion of
our Lord. Can we be as loving, forgiving, and accepting as He was? Only by our choice
and with His help.
Put on your new nature, and be
renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new
life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or
uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters,
and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves,
you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility,
gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive
anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive
others. Colossians
3:10-13 NLT (Underlined for emphasis.)
Solomon,
is his wisdom which came from the Lord, advices his reader—including us to hang
on tight to kindness. It has a great value.
Never let loyalty and kindness
leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your
heart. Proverbs
3:3 NLT
A good
challenge for each of us. Seek God, His wisdom, and kindness—and not only hang
onto them, but use them to serve others for God.
Verse
of Salvation ~ I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He
alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 NLT
© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M.
Hunacek
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