22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
MW Online: Kindness
1. an act of kind assistance
2. the capacity for feeling for another's unhappiness or misfortune
3. sympathetic concern for the well-being of others
This was the first time I have ever bothered to look up the definition of "kindness". Prior to this morning, I had never given "kindness" much thought. But if pressed to give definition, I would have most likely put "kindness" in the same category with "nice". A sort of nebulous, feel-good word, but not a word of much weight.
After giving the Merriam-Webster definition, I realize that kindness is much more than a smile and a wave. Kindness involves an emotional response to another person's plight and, I would add, acting on that emotion.
Kindness involves action. A person cannot be kind unless he is involved in kind acts.
Kindness may be something small like getting that cup of coffee for your wife so she doesn't have to get up from the couch. Or kindness may be a casserole prepared for a grieving neighbor. It might involve making the study into a bedroom for your mother-in-law. Strangers, a child or even a parent may need an act of kindness. But whomever or whatever, kindness is action.
Since the early 80's the term "random acts of kindness" has been part of the American lexicon. For Christians, I am not sure about the "random" part. Should any part of a Christian's life be random?
Paul encourages Christians to "pray without ceasing". 1 Thess 5:17 (NIV) If we are indeed constantly in a state of prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then nothing will be random. A spirit-filled, spirit-directed life will be marked by order and purposefulness.
Random acts of kindness speaks to a series of disjointed, feel-good deeds. Spirit-led acts of kindness change lives and help fulfill God's plan.
Pray that God will lead reveal to you opportunities for kindness and that He will strengthen you to perform those revealed acts.
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