By the time Jesus the gracious Friend of sinners was here walking the earth, the money-hungry controlling Pharisees had tacked on 365 prohibitions and 250 additional commandments to the Mosaic Law. Years of legalism, mixed with pharisaic power plays designed to intimidate and control, held the public hostage. People soon became fed up with the manipulation, pride, and especially the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. Man-made systems consisting of complicated requirements and backbreaking demands shut the people behind invisible bars and shackled them in heavy chains of guilt. They could not measure up. Many lost heart. But who dared say so?
People had the law and religion. What a relief it was when kindhearted Jesus came along with His authoritative Message of liberating grace. What an encouragement to the weary -- He gave hope for the sinful. For all of us.
Straight-thinkers like Wycliffe, Tyndale, Zwingli, Calvin, Luther, and Knox said, "Enough!" They refused to sit back, say nothing, and smile. They rose up and led thousands.. backwards. Back to basics. Sola Scriptura: "Scripture alone," our only reliable source of truth. And in it they re-discovered Jesus' simple message. Sola Fide: "faith [in Christ] alone." Sola Gratia: "grace alone" to save us and secure us.
It's so easy to fake Christianity ..to polish a super-pious image that looks impressive but is phony. Or to lose ourselves in so much religious practice that deeds become our security rather than the faithful, steadfast, and loving character of God. Far too many Christians are trying too hard. They are active, to be sure. But righteous or sincere? Many of them. Intense? Most of them. Busy? Yes . . . but far from spiritual. Yet Jesus said that He wanted His followers to be people of the Word, based on truth, marked by simple faith, and modeled in grace. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing else.
So, what about you? Have you over-complicated what was meant to be simple? Have you forgotten that spiritual activity is merely the expression of faith, the outworking of your relationship with the Almighty? Check your motivation. Have you become too busy.. or even too busy serving Jesus to daily spend time alone with Jesus? Ask yourself.. Why do I go to church? Why do you read your Bible? Why do you have a regular quiet time with God at all? What's your objective? Is it to sow to the Spirit, get stronger, to please God, to know God well and make Him well known?
"Blessed be the LORD, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!" Ps. 31:21 NKJV
For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the LORD [endures] forever. Praise the LORD! Ps. 117:2 NKJV
Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word to Your servant. Ps. 119:76 NKJV
Let the righteous strike me; [It shall be] a kindness. And let him rebuke me; [It shall be] as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer [is] against the deeds of the wicked. Ps. 141:5 NKJV
So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He [is] gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. Joe. 2:13 NKJV
"..by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, [2Co 6:6 NKJV]
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, akindness, goodness, faithfulness, [Gal 5:22 NKJV]
"..that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [Eph 2:7 NKJV]
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; [Col 3:12 NKJV]
"But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, [Tit 3:4 NKJV]
"..to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. [2Pe 1:7 NKJV]
Many righteous people serve, pray for, and are kinder to their enemies than unrighteous people are kind towards their friends. Glory to God -- they've had a fleshly nature, but they now have new nature inside. It's from Him.
"Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much." ~ Blaise Pascal
"Kindness makes a person attractive. If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it." ~ Alexander MacLaren
"He that is kind is free, though he is a slave; he that is evil is a slave, though he be a king." ~ Augustine
"With the help of God's grace, the habit of saying kind words is very quickly formed, and when once formed, it is not speedily lost." ~ Frederick W. Faber
Kindness has converted more sinners than religious zeal, eloquence, or learning. More than showing how much you know, show how much you care.
Let there be kindness in your eyes and face cuz it's been put into the core of your person by the Holy Spirit. Let kindness be your countenance, in your hearty laughter, in your joyful smile, in the genuine warmth of your acceptance and greeting. Welcome! Don’t only give your care away, but wisely give what helps others from your heart as well. KvS
"The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works." Psalm 145:17
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” Matthew 7:12 ESV
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10 ESV
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
“Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25
“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. You have heard that it is said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:40-43 ESV
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke 6:27 ESV
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great.” Luke 6:35 ESV
"The greatest thing a man can do for his Heavenly Father is to be kind to some of His other children." ~ Henry Drummond
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
"Have you ever noticed how much of Christ's life was spent in doing kind things?" ~ Henry Drummond
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
In the Jewish faith, kindness and generosity to the poor and anyone in need for any reason has been come to be known as chesed because it reflects the kind of unconditional, generous love God has for us. Chesed is Judaism’s primary ethical virtue, and acts of chesed are a mitzvah – literally a “commandment.” The word mitzvah can refer to the 613 commandments in the Law, but because chesed is so central to the purpose of God’s law, any act of kindness done in honor of God is a mitzvah. They also teach that an act of true chesed is not just giving money or things to those in need; it also requires personal service. It is the personal involvement, attitude, and effort that qualifies an act of kindness to be considered an act of chesed. Rabbinical writings argue that acts of chesed are the foundation stone and pillar of the universe. Without justice, kindness, compassion and steadfast love, humanity cannot exist. These acts of lovingkindness are not just nice things to do, they are required by Jewish ethical law.
Showing generosity and kindness to those in need is one of the greatest ways we can reflect God’s character. The New Testament wisdom book, James, says caring for those in need and keeping oneself unstained by the world is true religion (James 1:27). Paul tells us that true generosity comes out of a cheerful heart, not compulsion or guilt (2 Corinthians 9:6–7). Paul wrote to the Corinthians in awe at the Christlike love of the Macedonian Christians, who considered it a privilege to give generously (even sacrificially) to those in need in Jerusalem even though they were poor themselves (2 Corinthians 8). Proverbs says the righteous will give generously without sparing (21:25– 26).
Proverbs tells us that those who give generously will prosper (11:24–25). God will reward them for their generosity (19:17). Allen P. Ross says this does not refer to a financial investment but blessing in God’s economy. In the world, you have to accumulate money to be rich, but in God’s kingdom, the way to become rich is to give it away. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Proverbs encourages us to even show kindness and generosity to our enemies. The phrase “heaping burning coals on his head” is a not a reference to violent retribution but symbolizes pangs of conscience. Being kind to our enemies will make them feel guilty and repent. The New Testament agrees with Proverbs that the only way to overcome evil isn’t to fight against it with evil but to meet it with good (Romans 12:21).
Q: Why would acts of kindness have to involve personal connection to be acts of chesed?
Q: How have you seen people bless themselves by generosity and kindness to others?
Q: If true generosity comes from a cheerful heart, not compulsion or guilt, how does someone cultivate a cheerful heart?
Q: Why is it important for leaders to be kind and generous to those in need?
Some people argue that kindness is a weakness, “nice guys finish last.” But even if your kindness and generosity mean you aren’t the wealthiest or most powerful person in the world, it usually means people respect you. Kind, generous, loving people usually “gain honor.”
They have a good reputation, and people love and respect them (21:21). This was especially significant in the ancient world where honor was so important. Everything was done in an attempt to gain honor and avoid shame. But it’s important today, too. Many people believe that having people think highly of you is even more important than success, wealth, fame or power. Solomon said ruthless people will only gain wealth, but kindhearted people gain honor (11:16, NIV). The “only” makes it clear which one he thinks is more important.
Recent research has shown that what Proverbs says is true – the most effective leaders, even business leaders, lead with humility and care for their people with servant leadership. Proverbs tells us it is chesed that upholds the throne and preserves the king (20:28). This is a reference to what God said about why His kings were to be different from the kings of this world. Instead of using their people for their own gain, they were to serve the people and do what was best for them. Their leadership role was not about themselves and their own power; they were to lead as a representative of God, the true king (Deuteronomy 17:14–20).
Q: Describe someone you know who is exceptionally kind, merciful, loving and generous. Is that person well-respected? Do others listen when they speak? What kind of impact does he or she have on the community?
Q: Do you have a good name. What’s the value of a good reputation and trust from people? How does this benefit you and the kingdom?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," Galatians 5:22
Showing mercy, giving an ear to hear, time spent, Spirit-led generosity, serving, and lovingkindness with other practical kinds of things are good ways to show love to others as God loves us. ~ @KurtwVs
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." ~ Teresa
"He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty." Job 6:14
"Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you instead let these qualities define you; bind them securely around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3 amp
God in Proverbs speak a whole lot about kindness and mercy. He makes it clear that honor comes from character, not from worldly gain. Worldly wisdom says get, Get, GET.. to focus on building up your own wealth and piling high of stuff selfishly, but the wisdom of God says that generosity and serving others with lovingkindness is the way to real riches that are far more important than anything you could gain from this world (Matthew 6:19–20). Knowing and following Jesus in all things is what you and I really need to do.
