When you think of kindness you think of grandparents or at least I do. Unfortunately, you don't hear many people say, I hope when I die people say I was kind. Instead we long to be creative or unique or passionate. We leave kindness for the grandparents. This week at Awake we dove into our new series The 9, we took a look at one of the nine fruits of the Spirit, kindness.
What's amazing is that kindness is a quality that God cares a lot about. God has extended His incredible loving kindness and we are called to extend that same kindness to others. We looked at several passages, but the one that has really floored me came in Job 6:14
Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend foresakes the fear of the Almighty.
Wow! Maybe kindness is a big deal. Ephesians 4:31 gives us a great guide for how to become a people of kindness. We first have to let God take all of our anti-kindness (the bitterness, anger, etc.). The second step is to imitate God. Just like a little boy imitates his Dad, we are to try and look just like our spiritual father. Any easy way to start is just looking for small acts of kindness like holding a door, telling someone how much you love them or doing something nice without expecting anything in return.
To take it to the next level requires us to be tenderhearted. To slow down and listen to someone, putting them first and being there as a true friend. It's harder than a simple act and requires you to truly give something of yourself. But the hardest way and deepest kindness is immulating God's forgiveness. It's hard enough to forgive, but to forgive those who don't deserve it, that's the ultimate kindness.
I didn't used to think of kindness as a personality trait that I longed for, but I hope that one day when I die people would say that I was a man of kindness.
P.S. During the service we asked students to get out their phones and text or message someone some kind words. Sure, they were encouraged to do so, but if you got one of those messages, they chose to message YOU! They could have sent it to anyone, but they chose you. That's pretty cool.
Acts of kindness are not just for we grandparents as you know. Glad you are encouraging your young people to be kind.
I was so touched recently when going to the grocery. I was having a bad day walking. As the young man was taking my groceries to the car he noticed my struggles. He turned to me and said, " You may hold onto my arm if you would like." I did and I was so blessed by him. It still bring tears to my eyes that a young person was so sensitive.
We never know how much a kindness means to someone.
Posted by: Grandma Barbara | June 07, 2011 at 09:51 AM
Justin, thank you for teaching your young people about kindness. Taking time with people, children or even animals I believe God blessed. You are doing a good job...I know you are truly a blessing to your church.
Posted by: betty Fluhr Madden | June 07, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Thanks Grandma and Grandma!
Posted by: Justin Fluhr | June 13, 2011 at 02:58 PM