The last two chapters of Paul’s letter to the believers of the church of Ephesus were dedicated to giving his final instructions on what a biblical church should be. One of his emphasis is Christlikeness by showing kindness. Chapter 4 verse 32 states that we should “be kind and compassionate to one another, just as IN CHRIST GOD forgave you…”. The apostle wrote the same exhortation to the believers in Colossae…
“Put on, therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion and kindness…” (3:12, 13).
The Bible defines kindness as the very opposite of malice and badness. We show kindness to others by not thinking negatively to someone who has done us no wrong or to think suspiciously without proven or concrete evidence. We express kindness as well by thinking of the well being of the person, his family, and the people around him. Kindness is not putting the person in a bad light or in an embarrassing situation. In our text, the command to be kind is quickly followed by another command to be compassionate. This word came from two words… common and passion which easily means “placing one’s self in someone’s situation”. Someone said, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind…ALWAYS!” Webster defines kindness as “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate”.
In the practice of showing kindness to others, I can honestly say I am still a work in progress especially in moments of mistrust, defamation, or ungratefulness. Jesus reminded us to show kindness to all because “God is kind to the ungrateful and the evil”(Luke 6:35). Therefore, kindness is divine in a sense because apart from God gracing us with His kindness, we will surely do the very opposite towards the people around us.
• Abraham battles of not having an heir in his life but God showed him kindness by miraculously giving him a son on whom a nation was born.
• Moses battles with a question of his leadership from his very own siblings because of his past crime and unacceptable marriage but God showed him kindness by establishing and defending His call over Moses’ life.
• David battles with his guilt of murder and adultery but God showed him kindness by forgiving his sins and restoring his heart as the man after God’s own heart.
• Peter battles with his pride and arrogance but God humbled him, restored him and used him mightily in the establishment of the early church.
A lot of people around us going through their own battles in life, many are disheartened, worse others are disillusioned that they do not know where to start. As God opens a door for us to reach out to such people, may we remember the kindness that we ourselves received from God and share this with them.
As one song says that is based on Romans 2:4…
“It’s your kindness that leads us to repentance Oh Lord
Knowing that You loved us
No matter what we do
It makes us want to love you too.”
I remembered you in prayer today.
