The Strength of Kindness
The prayer was one of the most expressive and the words were memorable. It was uttered by a man who had only recently become a Christian. His tall impressive frame reflected confidence and success as he walked before the congregation. His voice conveyed the note of sincerity as he said,
“Dear Lord, we know that we are strong and we are powerful. Help us always
to remember the strength of kindness.”
The Bible describes a virtuous person as one who has enthroned in the tongue “the law of kindness,” Proverbs 31:26.
Some, out of fear of appearing weak and ineffective, have responded so long with unkind words that their very countenance belies the sin of their heart. Their face even displays a grouchy and irritable disposition. When we speak it is far more evident that kindness has been held in contempt by their standard.
1. Kindness is God-like. The strength of our Creator is a display of His kindness toward the world of mankind, climaxed by the gift of His Son to be our Savior.
It is “kindness and love of God our Savior” that brought salvation by His grace. Titus 3:4-5
2. Christ taught kindness toward all men. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.” Luke 6:35
3. Christians are to be known for their kindness. We are taught, “And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Eph. 4:32
This strength will keep us from many a path of regret.
I have wept in the night,
For the shortness of sight,
That to somebody’s need made me blind. But I never have yet
Felt a twinge of regret
For being a little too kind.
Hardeman Nichols