Are you "kind"?

Are you "kind"? I think most of us would like to describe ourselves as "kind"; at least we want to believe we are, right? Kindness is actually a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) and it is an essential ingredient of love, according to 1 Corinthians 13:4. This past Sunday, we learned what biblical kindness looks like... it is bountiful, courteous, benevolent and obliging, tender, big hearted. For Believers, kindness is a reflection of our commitment to love like Jesus, not just with words, but with action. 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18

The idea of benevolence is wound up in kindness... that means "looking out for the welfare of others." Isn't that what the local church is all about? I was so thrilled to hear Penny share on Sunday about how Watermarkers stepped up to kindly care for her when she was going through a really difficult time in her life. I saw another example of kindness Monday when I went by the hospital to pray with someone about to go into surgery; she shared with me how her life group was bringing meals all week as she recovered. That is biblical kindness! It is really encouraging to me as a pastor to see so much ministry happening around me. That is exactly what Paul was trying to inspire in the church in Corinth.

We learned that kindness is about "doing good"... Seeing, seizing and even searching for opportunities to "do good" for Christ's sake. Are you doing that? Would you boldly pray daily for God to open your eyes to opportunities to show love that way? In Ruth and Naomi's story, (Book of Ruth), we see kindness clearly on display. In that story we learn that kindness comforts, serves and provides. (For much more, listen to the sermon - Kindness - online.) Let's live love this week!