But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions. Joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
Galatians 1:3-4
Kindness in action, I like that, and I will be the first to admit that it is not always easy to get kindness. Jesus leads us out of our sin with his kindness, which in turn gives us the ability to live kindness in action. It doesn’t come natural; it is only by the grace and loving kindness of our God that we live an active life of kindness.
So, how to do we get kindness? We surrender all that we are and all that we experience to Jesus. He in turn resides deep within us, his Spirit resonates all that he is through us. And, he will never stop working through us when we surrender to him.
“But I will never, no never, lift my faithful love from off their lives. My kindness will prevail and I will never disown them.” Psalms 89:33
Kindness melts hearts. Years ago, we had some neighbors that were very unhappy with us when our dogs got into their yard and dug up some of their plants. They called the police on us, they yelled at us, and did not want anything to do with working it out. So, I ordered a large bouquet of roses to be delivered to their house. It literally melted their anger away. With one bouquet they suddenly loved our dogs, they loved us, and never again did we have an issue with them. This is how the kindness of God works. As his children we sin, we make mistakes, yet God in his kindness covers us in his love of kindness bringing us to places of surrender and trust in him.
“Lord, how wonderfully you bless the righteous. Your favor wraps around each one and covers them under your canopy of kindness and joy.” Psalms 5:12
There will be many times in life that we encounter situations that challenge kindness. I for one, have not always lived up to the challenge, but instead have taken the route of unkindness. I did not allow the kindness of God to overwhelm me, rather I believed the enemies lies. When the enemy lies he tells us that kindness is weak. He convinces us that kindness is over-looked and bullied. He leads us to believe that God is an angry unkind God, rather than the loving tender God that he is. When we choose to believe in the kindness of God, we will get kindness!
“But kindness and truth come to those who make plans to be pure in all their ways.” Proverbs 14:22
What is something you can do today that puts you in a position to get kindness?
How has the kindness of God given you the freedom to give kindness to others?
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