Kindness – Part One

“….be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.” Ephesians 4: 34

Jesus set in place a new world order for all ages. It is the kingdom of God. Where there is a kingdom there must be a king. Where there is a king and a kingdom there must be subjects.

When a loving king reigns and His loyal subjects obey, they take on the characteristics of their monarch.

We profess Christ to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as in heaven….”

The Greek word in Scripture that is translated kindness is “chrestotes” meaning moral goodness. The biblical emblem of kindness is Jesus. 

There are many jokes about persons who “don’t do.” For example: “I don’t do dishes.” “I don’t do windows.”

Think what blessings would have been missed by certain persons if they had an exclusive don’t do list. What if – – –

         Noah had said, “I don’t do arks.”

         David had said, “I don’t do giants.”

         Mary had said, “I don’t do virgin births.”

         Mary Magdalene had said, “I don’t do feet.”

         Paul had said, “I don’t do letters.”

         Jesus had said, “I don’t do crosses.”

Kindness prompts us to be considerate of another’s welfare, character, and general well being. By that description, are you a kind person?

George Whitfield and John Wesley were contemporary spiritual giants. They held several beliefs that were in conflict. They had several major theological differences. A reporter once asked Wesley if he expected to see Whitfield in heaven.

“No, I certainly don’t,” replied Wesley instantly.

“Well, then,” said the reporter, “do you think Mr. Whitfield is a converted man?”

“Of course he is a converted man,” said Wesley, “but I don’t expect to see him in heaven because he will be so close to the throne of God that from the distance I will be I will not be able to see him.”

He disagreed with Whitfield on doctrine, but was kind to him as a brother. He was gentle with his reputation and would do nothing to impugn his character.

Listed among the fruit of the Spirit is kindness. Go bear fruit today and earn a reputation of being a kind person. The King deserves such a representative.