It’s easy to be kind to somebody you like, or somebody whom you feel is really deserving of it. It is not, however, easy to show kindness to somebody who rejects the offer. Or also has no respect for the person behind the action and who will in no way reciprocate. Someone who won’t even to say “thank you.” Kindness in the Bible, calls on us to do just that.
Still, God extends His kindness to us. Kindness is very much of God, a part of his nature and character, an attribute that clearly separates Him from humans.
Kindness is one of the fruits of the spirit, a gift from God through the Holy Spirit to those who believe. Even so, it isn’t always found in human behavior.
God offers kindness even when we turn our back on Him
People each have their own definition of kindness, also meanings of words overlap, so kindness gets mixed in with gentleness, goodness and mercy. But in terms of kindness in the Bible, kindness is displayed throughout by examples of God’s grace.
Man turned on God, but still God, in his kindness, as in Romans 2:4, which reads:
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
God has a plan for everything, so kindness is not just a random act, but a purposeful action for a specific purpose.
Man’s salvation hinges on the kindness of God
Of course, God’s kindness is sometimes foreign to us. The idea to “love your enemy” goes against our sense of justice and retribution.
But man’s salvation hinges on the kindness of God. Ephesians 2:7-8 states:
“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 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
His kindness towards us has paved the way to salvation
We all NEED God’s kindness to us.The Apostle Paul charged that the “wages of sin is death,” and that “all have sinned.” Therefore we are guilty as charged.
God, being a holy and perfect God, cannot turn his back on sin and thus go back on His word. But His kindness towards us has paved the way to salvation, as we are offered a gift, a free invitation.
Through belief in Christ, a simple act of faith, we are spared the wrath of God. This one act of kindness washes us clean of sin. Jesus does so fully and completely, and when God looks at us, He sees the righteousness of His own Son. Also, He does not fail to see what is going on. Finally, there are consequences, but the price of our salvation has been paid in full. We are set free.
Kindness in the Bible: We all should be striving to be kind to one another
The Apostle Paul said we should be “imitators” of God. Human kindness is a reflection of God’s kindness. Kindness is something we strive for. We are works in progress. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we reflect the kindness of God.