1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "LOVE IS patient and KIND. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
Kindness is a pretty easy fruit of the Spirit for most people. We think if we hold the door for someone, or hold our tongue when we are tempted to speak badly of someone else then we are being kind. The Bible tells us that love is kind. Kindness is much more than subtle gestures. It is doing things on your own time and out of your heart for someone else, even when you might not gain anything in return. It is also doing putting someone else before yourself even when they don't deserve it.
Ephesians 1:7-8 "He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindess on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."
If you are truly a new creation in Christ, you should want to serve others! We have been commanded to love God first, others second, and ourselves third. To really love someone like the Bible says, we must put their needs before our own. Work hard each day to serve others before yourself to show the result of your salvation in Christ. Why should you hide it?
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
God is SO kind to us. He has been very loving by sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins, even though we didn't deserve it. He also blesses us daily with breath and life. The Lord is so kind! Make an effort to be kind by doing something out of the joy of your heart for someone who really needs a kind word. Remember to treat all those that you love with kindness too, and love them before your own self.
1 John 4:7 "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God."
-Jenna Hampton
