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◄ Being Kind►

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Definition and Importance
Kindness is a fundamental Christian virtue that reflects the character of God and is an essential aspect of living a life that honors Him. It involves showing compassion, generosity, and consideration towards others, often manifesting in acts of service and love. Kindness is not merely an external action but a fruit of the Spirit, indicating a heart transformed by God's grace.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of kindness as a reflection of God's nature and a command for His people. InEphesians 4:32, believers are instructed, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This verse highlights the connection between kindness and forgiveness, rooted in the example of Christ's sacrificial love.

Old Testament Insights
In the Old Testament, kindness is often associated with the Hebrew word "chesed," which denotes steadfast love and mercy.Proverbs 11:17 states, "A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself." This proverb underscores the reciprocal nature of kindness, suggesting that those who practice it will experience personal blessings.

The account of Ruth and Boaz in the Book of Ruth is a profound illustration of kindness. Boaz's treatment of Ruth, a foreigner and widow, exemplifies the biblical call to show kindness to the vulnerable and marginalized (Ruth 2:8-16).

New Testament Teachings
In the New Testament, kindness is listed as a fruit of the Spirit inGalatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." This passage indicates that kindness is a natural outgrowth of a life led by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of kindness. His interactions with the sick, the poor, and the outcasts of society demonstrate His compassionate nature. InLuke 6:35, Jesus instructs His followers, "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

Practical Application
Christians are called to embody kindness in their daily lives, reflecting God's love to the world. This involves intentional acts of service, speaking words of encouragement, and showing empathy and understanding.Colossians 3:12 encourages believers to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

Kindness also plays a crucial role in evangelism and discipleship. By demonstrating genuine care and concern for others, Christians can effectively witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. As stated inRomans 2:4, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?"

Challenges and Encouragement
While kindness is a divine attribute, it can be challenging to practice consistently, especially in a world that often values self-interest and competition. However, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

In summary, being kind is an essential aspect of Christian living, deeply rooted in the character of God and the teachings of Scripture. It is both a command and a privilege, allowing believers to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

Topical Bible Verses

Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
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Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
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Ephesians 4:32
And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.
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Matthew 3:8
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
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Greek

5543. chrestos -- serviceable, good
... suitable, usefullykind") describes what defines is -- and therefore also useful!
"We have no adjective in English that conveys this blend ofbeing at the same...

Strong's Hebrew

2145. zakar -- male
... From zakar; properly, remembered, ie A male (of man or animals, asbeing the most
noteworthy sex) -- X him, male, man(child, -kind). see HEBREW zakar....

Library

There is aKind of Trinity in the Holding, Contemplating, and...
... Chapter 2."There is aKind of Trinity in the Holding, Contemplating, and Loving
of Faith Temporal, But One that Does Not Yet Attain toBeing Properly an...

Concerning Apolinarius: Father and Son of that Name. vitalianus...
... Apolinarius: Father and Son of that Name. Vitalianus, the Presbyter. Onbeing
dislodged from OneKind of Heresy, they incline to Others....

If, Therefore, it is Evident that from the Beginning thisKind of...
... If, therefore, it is evident that from the beginning thiskind of worship has both
been... that I may not be forsaken by Him, and love with my wholebeing, that I...

The Foundations of Good Citizenship.
... So many prayers, so many creeds, So many paths that wind and wind, When just the
art ofbeing kind Is all the sad world needs. "Eva Wheeler Wilcox. I....

[Shewing] that Common and Saving Grace Differ, not Only in Degree...
...being compared to a work of creation, which is a work wherein something is made
either out of nothing, or out of that having no degree of the samekind of...

Drummond -- the Greatest Thing in the World
... and it is not in our keeping; but what God has put in our power is the happiness
of those about us, and that is largely to be secured by ourbeing kind to them...

Argument. Saturus, in a vision, and PerpetuaBeing Carried by...
... Andbeing set free, we at length saw the first boundless light; and I said... space
which was like a pleasure-garden, having rose-trees and everykind of flower....

A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off...
... glorious mansion, put a stop to his acting his part on the stage of mortality; heaven,
like earthly princes, when it threatens war,being always sokind as to...

The Resurrection Consistent with the Opinions of the Philosophers.
... that all things are made from the atom and the void by somekind of self... which is
that neither can anything be produced from what is not inbeing, nor anything...

The Natural Supremacy of Reflection
... Some then are in nature andkind superior to others. And the correspondence arises
from the actionbeing conformable to the higher principle; and the...