I was a foreigner living in a new land. I tried to speak her language. I sat in class next to her, smiling and doing my best to comprehend what was said around me. Her name was Stefanie too. She invited me horseback-riding. She explained how important class meetings were. She listened to my stories from the U.S. She was kind to me.
God too, is kind. He authored kindness. Dictionary.com defines kindness as “benevolence, compassion, generosity, and tenderness.” Is this the God you know?
Ephesians 2:7 demonstrates God’s kindness toward His children. “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.” God authored our ability to return to Him through accepting Jesus. He doesn’t focus on our sin and see us defined by our actions. He sees us as His children, who need help. He stepped in and authored that help. He is waiting for each of us to accept that assistance.
Once reunited with Him, He wants each of us to show His kindness to others. That is done by yielding to Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through me. Then not only can I grow in faith, but by reflecting Him, others can see Him, meet Him and experience His kindness too.
Stefanie’s kindness to me helped me to adjust to life abroad. Although I had trouble communicating, she saw value in who I was and took time to help me, encourage me, and befriend me.
God’s character of kindness encourages too. When I fail, I can yield to Him, asking forgiveness, and His kindness and grace covers my mistakes, again testifying to His great love for you and for me.
Living life by faith is a continuous journey. Until setting foot in heaven, we have not yet arrived in performing kindness all the time. But as we do life with Him, as we draw nearer to Him, the Holy Spirit helps us, works in us, and flows through us.
Our attitudes change.
Our actions change.
And, our witnesses change. One of those changes is we learn to live kindness.
I find living kind a challenge at points. Not everyone out in the world is kind. Yet, we are not called to live kind just from personal strength. We are called to yield to Him and allow His Spirit to flow through us, enabling us to be kind. I know I can’t possibly do this without His help. Will you join me in prayer for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for the kindness of people who reflect Your character. Thank You for Your ultimate kindness of sending Your Son so You and I could be reunited. Help me to yield to Your Spirit, allowing Your kindness to flow through me. May I grow in faith as more of the fruit of the Spirit are evidenced in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.