Love. Love is Kind

Part 5

“Love…is kind.” (1 Cor 13:4)

The Greek word for kind here is chrēsteuomai and means “to show one’s self mild, to be kind, use kindness.” The Passion Translation translate the verse wonderfully:

“Love is gentle and consistently kind to all.”

Perhaps then, the verse can be accurately translated as “Love is mild.” Or “Love is gentle.” This type of mildness is not exalted by much of the church, especially in certain denominations. But take a look at what Jesus said about gentleness:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

And hear the confession of David, the warrior who defeated countless enemies of God, including Goliath.

“Your gentleness has made me great.” (Psalm 18:35b)

Kindness, gentleness and mildness are sorely lacking in the world today and sadly in the church. If we encounter the gentleness of God we can’t help but to pass that gentleness on to others.

Yesterday, my pastor Robert Russell made a very interesting comment about kindness. He said in scripture it is often connected to patience – they go hand in hand. When you find a person possessing patience they are usually kind as well.

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

And since it is a fruit we have confidence that if we remain abiding in the Vine the fruit of kindness, along with the others, will grow in us. It is not enough to act kind, we must BE kind. Acting kind is being religious. Being kind is born of the Spirit and is the result of abiding in Jesus.

Lord, we thank you for your gentleness. We can say with David that your gentleness has made us great. Yes, we have been made for war in the Spirit but it is Your gentleness that sustains us. Jesus, we want to learn from you regarding gentleness. Take out of us any brashness, harshness and crudeness. Make our hearts sensitive to others, that we would have compassion as You do. In Jesus’ name.