Kindness - the quality of being generous, friendly, and considerate.
British statesman and financier Cecil Rhodes, whose fortune was used to endow the world-famous Rhodes Scholarships, was a stickler for correct dress--but apparently not at the expense of someone else's feelings. A young man invited to dine with Rhodes arrived by train and had to go directly to Rhodes's home in his travel-stained clothes. Once there he was appalled to find the other guests already assembled, wearing full evening dress. After what seemed a long time Rhodes appeared, in a shabby old blue suit. Later the young man learned that his host had been dressed in evening clothes, but put on the old suit when he heard of his young guest's dilemma.
God always has a reason for everything. Even the Godly fruit that is seen in our lives. If we don't allow His Spirit to teach us how to live and then empower us to live it we make that fruit which is in us lay dormant and lifeless. When we read about the fruit of those who know Christ we sometimes use it as a good and bad list for living our life. It is so much more than a list that is caught up in rules and regulations. Fruit is for eating and enjoying. Bad fruit tastes bad, so we won't want to eat that type of fruit again. Good fruit not only satisfies us, but makes us want more and more and more. As a believer, when we experience Godly fruit coming from our walk in the Lord it is totally encouraging and spurs us on to greatness. That great fruit is not meant for us only though. Good fruit is an activator for stimulating more and more good things and it results in more people being affected by it. Just like in the story of Cecil Rhodes, his great heart and consideration of the young man who came to his party settled the young man's nerves, put him at ease about his "standing", and made the party an enjoyable event for the young man. None of that would have happened had Rhodes not had the fruit of kindness. I'm sure the young man "paid it forward" after seing the act of kindness from Rhodes.
In Acts Chapters 3 and 4, Peter and John's healing of a cripple at The Beautiful Gate gave hope and a new life for the man, but it also caused an uproar for those who were against the followers of The Way. Their kindness had a far-reaching affect from the man who was healed, to those who witnessed it, to the soldiers who put them in jail, and to the officials who questioned them. In Acts 4:9 Peter says, "If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed."
Wow! Peter saw the great fruit of healing, the disgust of imprisonment, and the great victory of sharing about Jesus through one act of KINDNESS. What's the moral of the story? Never underestimate the importance of all the fruits of a Spirit-filled life, but for sure a life that exhibits KINDNESS.
Kindness is an important element in a Christian's life. I have seen people who claim to know Christ show meanness instead of kindness as a daily lifestyle. When you ask someone who knows them well, about why the meanness. They will say, "oh, it's just the way they are." You can't have any more of an indictment than that. What they are saying is the fruit from their "Christian" changed life is meanness? That will not pass the Christ Like test even at the lowest level. In Romans 2 Paul speaks about passing judgment on someone else, which is a direct result of meanness. In verse 4 he says, "Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" Which means life change!!! Those who are most harsh and unkind are usually the ones who have not truly experienced the kindness of God through Christ and that is why they have none to give. Here's a good rule of thumb to go by. If you truly have been changed by Jesus Christ, you will not be able to be unkind without great conviction being poured on you by the Holy Spirit. We have been shown great kindness and now that is a part of who we are and there is no excuse that lessens that one fact. If you know Christ, you know kindness, and you show kindness.
What will result from the fruit of kindness.
1. You will have true, Godly peace
2. Others will be drawn to you.
3. You will use your kindness to proclaim the Gospel.
4. Your walk with Christ will grow by leaps and bounds.
5. You will look a lot like Jesus.
I'm liking the result of kindness. Aren't you? If you know Christ, it's in you somewhere. Let it go and let God use it for His glory. I kindly submit these words to you.
The Pilgrimage continues.....
David Warren
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