Love Is...Kind

Love Is...Kind

Pastor Russell Henderson

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, NIV.

The second definition of love is kindness.  Kindness can best be biblically defined as being benevolent, full of integrity, merciful, and compassionate.  With those definitions in mind we can see that kindness does not just define our attitudes,  but also our behavior towards our brothers and sisters as well as our lost neighbors.  When we talk about kindness we are simply talking about showing honor, compassion, and benevolence.  Kindness could best be summed up in the Golden Rule:  “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” 

The fact is that God has been kind to us.  Many Old Testament references to kindness refer to the kindness of the Lord.

In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you," says the LORD your Redeemer.

(Isa 54:8 NIV)

'The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.'

(Num 14:18 NASB)

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)

These passages show two major characteristics of the Lord’s kindness:  compassion & forgiveness.  Romans 2:4 tells us that the kindness of the Lord leads us to repentance.  The bible tells us that God is rich in kindness toward us.  He is kind because he is forgiving.   He is kind because he provides.  He is kind because he is patient.  He is kind because he is holding back his judgment so that we might have time to repent.  When it comes to kindness, the Lord is our example.

How are we to show kindness?

Romans 2, verses 1-4 addresses believers who were passing their own judgment on others, but at the same time continuing in the same types of sin.  Paul admonishes them for this behavior stating that they are actually showing contempt for God’s kindness.  We cannot claim to have love in one breath and pass judgment in the next.  Judgment and kindness do not mix.

Benevolence is another character of kindness.  In Proverbs 14:21 & 31 a blessing is pronounced on those who are benevolent to those in need.

He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

(Pro 14:21 NIV)

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

(Pro 14:31 NIV)

Psalm 10:34 tells us that kindness (mercy, love, compassion) will be our crowning glory.  When all is said and done, you will be known and remembered for your loving kindness and the righteous life that you lived.

As we learn to be kind, we are displaying more of the forgiving and patient character of God.  Kindness is benevolent.  Learn to have a giving heart.  Find someone who has a need and fill it.  Kindness is merciful.  Seek to show mercy and favor to people instead of judgment—especially those who try your patience.  Kindness is full of integrity.  Above all do everything with character.  Don’t bless your brother to his face and curse him in secret.  The more kindness you give, the more you will receive from your heavenly Father.  And His kindness comes with great reward.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

(Eph. 4:32 NKJV)

"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.

(Luke 6:35 NASB)