“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4.32
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2.4
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.“ Galatians 5.22-23
Today our world has an abundance of opportunities to show kindness. With the outbreak and spread of the Coronavirus, with social distancing, isolation, fear and frustration, now is the day that Christ-followers can make a difference.
The Bible is filled with examples of both human and divine kindness. Those who are filled with the Holy Spirit are given permission to show an abundance of kindness in the “gifts of the Spirit” list. Paul says, “Against these things there is no law.” Therefore, spread kindness with abundance.
But divine kindness is also readily accessible to all of us. One example is “for while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5.8) Another is in Romans 2.4, “the kindness of God leads you to repentance.” God is filled with kindness to all people who seek his face, who turn from sin, and who desire to have fellowship with Jesus Christ. But God has kindness even for those who have not turned, sinners, who can be saved by grace. God shows kindness to the whole of creation, to his children, to his world.
Which brings us back to being recipients of God’s kindness and encouraging each other to show kindness to others. Maybe there’s a neighbor who is elderly, in isolation, or feeling alone. Maybe a family member needs a hug or perhaps a stranger needs a meal. We are the hands and feet of Christ. What better time than to lift someone else up than today?
Just as Christ has shown kindness to you, may you also show it to others.
“O Lord God, you are good. I praise you for your loving kindness and mercy. Thank you for how you demonstrate this to me through the sending of your Son, his birth, ministry, passion and resurrection. Thank you for loving us. For your shield of protection over us even in the midst of uncertain times. I praise you Lord and love you with an everlasting love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen