“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering”
The second line of clothing which God wants us to don is “kindness.”
“kindness”
The idea of “kindness” is generosity or goodness. “Kindness” is a manifestation of mercy or compassion. This manifestation is an action that comes out of empathy. It may take the form of a kind word, an invitation to lunch, or an offer to help. Those who are kind toward others have a sense of generosity in their souls; they desire to give to others.
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Rom. 12:10).
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32).
We seldom think of God as kind. We usually think of Him as love, justice, and truth.
“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared” (Titus 3:4).
Principle:
Kindness is the manifestation of compassion.
Application:
Is kindness letting the whole human race run over you, one at a time or by the dozens? No, the idea of kindness is generosity or goodness. It is a relaxed attitude toward someone when he says something unkind about us in our presence or behind our backs.
Do we become bitter, angry, upset, vindictive, implacable, or hostile when someone says something bad about us? “Kindness” is an orientation of generosity toward others, even those who are unkind to us. Kindness does not mind other people’s business but stays loose in attitude and does not hate, seek retaliation, or use revenge tactics on others. We cannot execute generosity toward others if we carry attitude sins in our minds.
Kindness is also a disposition of courtesy. God does not want to soften our minds but make them tender towards others. Are we considerate of other people who suffer? Do we enthusiastically lift someone who has fallen spiritually?
Kindness is also practical helpfulness. It is not the person who projects sweetness. These people may think horrible things about others but are “sweet!” Their thinking is bitterness, jealousy, and hatred, but they imbue sweetness and show kindness outwardly. Sweetness is not the same as biblical kindness.
We may be righteous, but we may not be kind, gracious, or empathetic. We might not do things wrong, but we may be rigid and lack compassion. Are you kindly disposed toward other believers?
