by Luke Kincaid
I really enjoyed teaching on the fruit of kindness at the start of our online KICS lessons yesterday. What I enjoyed most about it was being reminded of the fact that the only reason we can share true kindness with others is because of the kindness God has shown us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate the fruit of kindness in us, and share it with those in need, Got Questions helps us remember all the ways in which God has first shown this kindness to us, His children:
Kindness is the characteristic that led God to provide salvation for us (Titus 3:4-5; Romans 2:4; 11:22).
Kindness leads God to give us green pastures, quiet waters, and the restoration of our souls when we’re weary (Psalm 23:2-3).
It is God’s tender care that makes Him want to gather us under His wings, to protect us and keep us close to Him (Psalm 17:8; 36:7; 61:4; Matthew 23:37).
God expressed kindness when He provided for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath during a drought—and He showed more kindness later when He raised the widow’s only son from the dead (1 Kings 17:8-24).
When Sarah exiled Hagar and Ishmael, God gave the outcasts kindness in the form of water and hope (Genesis 21:9-21).
On multiple occasions, kindness induced Jesus to stop what He was doing and help others in need (Mark 6:34; Mark 7:29; Mark 10:46-52).
And kindness leads the Good Shepherd to rescue us when we stray (Luke 15:3-7). In kindness He “gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young” (Isaiah 40:11)
As we can see God has been so kind to us in so many different ways and we have the amazing privilege of sharing this kindness with the world around us. I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t want to experience a little more kindness in their lives and it’s incredible to think that people can experience God’s kindness through us. And when experienced, kindness has the ability to multiply itself as genuine kindness is contagious. So one act of kindness can actually impact many people’s lives! So let’s ask The Holy Spirit to lead us to people this week who are in need of God’s kindness and let’s go and change some lives through God’s power!
Much love,
Luke
