What happens when someone is kind to us, especially if we don’t deserve it? It melts our hearts, doesn’t it? Sometimes it brings conviction.
- Kindness given reveals the matters of the heart.
“Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads us toward repentance? (Romans 2: 4)
- Kindness expressed, especially when we don’t deserve it, gives us a chance to see what’s in our hearts.
- An act of kindness towards someone shows the love of God.
Whenever we have emotions stirred up within, and we see the hardness and stubbornness of our hearts, what do we do with it?
Talk about it! When we stuff our emotions, they pile up and build up within. Why do we see people angry? Perhaps the unresolved conflict or matters of the heart were never dealt with. God wants what’s in our hearts released. Talk with Him, He knows what’s inside us. Chances are He will lead and guide us to talk with another person, face to face.
Paul said, “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward, physical. No a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly, and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.” (Romans 2: 28-29)
What is this saying? A true sign of belonging to God is not the outward mark on the physical body, but the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit inside. The Holy Spirit shows kindness.
Whatever is inside the heart will come out eventually. Unforgiveness, hurt, pain, and suffering will come up and be expressed in some form, usually through frustration and anger.
God is faithful regardless of our faithfulness. “If some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all!” (Romans 3: 3) (Taken from Romans 2: 1-3: 8)
Kindness Leads To Mercy Be merciful to me, O Lord, God. “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise–In God I trust and am not be afraid.” (Psalm 56: 3-4)
Does God take note of the things going on in our lives? Yes! His kindness records and recollects them. “Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll (in your wineskin) are they not in your record? (Psalm 56: 8)
- Royal records of our troubles are recorded. These are matters calling for God’s actions.
- God has heard our prayers and has collected our tears.
- God recollects and collects to remove. (Taken from Psalm 56, Paraphrased)
Kindness Summons Samuel had summoned the people of Israel to present themselves. He called out Saul, son of Kish, but he was hiding among the baggage. The people ran and brought him out.
- Don’t bring your baggage into your next assignment.
Samuel then covers up his hiding, and says, “Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? (1 Samuel 10: 23)
- God chooses kings and leaders over nations.
When the people saw Saul, they shouted “Long live the king!” (1 Samuel 10: 24) But there were some troublemakers who despised him and brought no gifts to their king.
- There are always troublemakers in every crowd.
In God’s kindness and grace, he is giving Saul an opportunity to prove himself and show himself strong.
Nahash, the Ammonite wanted to make a treaty with the people of Jabesh only if the Israelites will agree to gouge their right eye out. These folks were brutal!
Saul returns from the fields and hears the people crying. He asks why they are weeping so they told him. “When Saul heard their words the Spirit of God came upon him in power and he burned with anger.” (1 Samuel 11: 6)
He cuts up a pair of oxen and sends the parts throughout Israel, saying through a messenger, “This is what will be done to your oxen if anyone does not follow Saul and Samuel. (1 Samuel 11: 7)
Saul separates his army into three parts and attacked at night. They defeat their enemy.
- Saul succeeded because he was empowered by the Spirit of God.
Saul was then confirmed as King, in the presence of the Lord. God’s kindness towards mankind matters! “He gives his king great victories; He shows unfailing kindness to His anointed.” (Psalm 18: 50) (Taken from 1 Samuel 10: 17-11: 15)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
You can find all of the Unbroken Love series posts by clicking the button below.