Posted on 08/14/2023 7:22:17 AM PDT by metmom
"Love is kind" (1 Cor. 13:4). Kindness repays evil with good.
Two men going opposite directions on a narrow mountain trail met each other head on. With a steep cliff on one side and sheer rock on the other, they were unable to pass. The harder they tried to squeeze past one another the more frustrated they became. The situation seemed hopeless until one of them, without saying a word, simply laid down on the trail, allowing the other man to walk over him. That illustrates kindness, which doesn't mind getting walked on if it benefits someone else.
The Greek word translated "kind" in 1 Corinthians 13:4 literally means "useful," "serving," or "gracious." It isn't simply the sweet attitude we usually associate with kindness; it's the idea of being useful to others. It's the flip side of patience. Patience endures abuses from others; kindness repays them with good deeds.
God committed the supreme act of kindness when He provided salvation for lost sinners. Titus 3:3-5 says, "We also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us."
Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light" (Matt. 11:29-30). The word translated "easy" is translated "kind" in 1 Corinthians 13:4. Jesus was saying, "Trust in Me and I'll redeem you and show you My kindness."
Since "you have tasted the kindness of the Lord" (1 Pet. 2:3), you should be anxious to show kindness to others. That's what Paul wanted the Corinthian believers to do. He knew they had the capacity, but they needed to repent of their selfish ways and allow love to dominate their lives.
Suggestions for Prayer
The evil world in which we live gives abundant opportunity for you to express kindness to others. Ask the Lord to help you take full advantage of every opportunity to do so today.
For Further Study
Read Matthew 5:38-48, noting the practical expressions of kindness Jesus instructed His followers to pursue.
From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
"Love is kind" (1 Cor. 13:4). Kindness repays evil with good.
The beauty of being kind is the nature of kindness itself. Kindness is alive and grows with each act of kindness. If you are kind you will become kinder. It is unselfish,prefering the good of others to oneself. Oh to be remembered upon one's death as kind! It encompasses so many qualities of our Savior. I think it a pleasing,albeit rare aroma to our Heavenly Father.
That illustrates kindness, which doesn’t mind getting walked on if it benefits someone else.
Most might think kindness is submitting. Letting others walk over you. Avoiding confrontation, avoiding the Truth.
“benefits someone else” There is a world perspective there and a Godly one. Yes, kindness with a purpose is good, what is truly on your heart when doing so?
Who’s purpose? Gods, yours, or people?
Timely devotion. I’m currently sitting here waiting to begin jury selection with a very assorted group of people. I’m gonna have to remember to be kind.
>> That illustrates kindness, which doesn't mind getting walked on if it benefits someone else. <<
I hardly think so. In this matter, I tend to disagree with JMac regarding the interpretation of the vignette about the cliff ledge encounter.
I hate to have to say this, but lying down for the other to walk on and pass was merely an accommodation, a compelling need to assist another when you actually don't want to -- to wit, a remedial act of cooperation, not godliness.
Kindness, on the other hand, is wanting to help another when you really don't have to. And that is a manifestation of ἀγάπη (agapē, pronounced ag-ah'-pay), for which the definition is:
"A sovereigninwardly determined preference for another over self and othersthings or people ";which is appropriate to a gracious act of kindness consistent with the Savior's righteousness, an attribute imputed to God's redeemed child of faith.
That is exactly why the interpreters of the King James Authorized Version translated ἀγάπη in the context of 1 Corinthians 13 as "charity," a more narrowly definitive English word than "love" which is very indefinitely ambiguous, generating differences of opinion.
An attitude of affection may accompany a charitable act of kindness, but is not necessary to generate it. It is the outcome of righteousness at work.
(This is written to amend and augment the encouraging meditative counsel of Dr. MacArthur, not intended for further debate.)
There are plenty of times I don’t feel inclined to be kind. I definitely need God’s help.
A Prayer For Your Love To Shine Forth
Loving Lord and Heavenly Father, thank You that I am Your child. Father, I pray that my life may become so saturated with Christ Jesus, that people don’t see me anymore, but see Jesus in me, to Your praise and glory.
Father, however I am treated by other people, I pray that Your love may shine forth in me. Whatever happens in my life, I ask that Your peace and joy would abide within me. No matter what difficulties I may encounter in life, teach me to be patient and kind in all my dealings with others and manifest the goodness and grace in me that only comes from You. However hard times may become, I pray that I may be gentle and self-controlled in my actions and attitudes. May I be a good and faithful servant, and Lord, I thank You that no matter what happens, even when I step away from You, You remain faithful.
Lord, I know that I cannot develop the fruit of Your Holy Spirit through my own effort or will, but only as I rest in Christ. Help me to abide in You I pray.
Amen.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/prayer/a-prayer-for-your-love-to-shine-forth-565
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