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KINDNESS

Kindness is a key attribute of God's character and a fundamental virtue that believers are called to embody. In the Bible, kindness is closely linked to love, mercy, and grace. It is not just an act but a reflection of God’s heart toward humanity.

God’s Kindness
God Himself is the ultimate source of kindness. His kindness leads to repentance and is evident in His patience, forgiveness, and provision for all people.

  • Romans 2:4 (NLT) – “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”

  • Titus 3:4-5 (NLT) – “But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

  • Psalm 145:17 (NLT) – “The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.”

Kindness as a Fruit of the Spirit
The Bible teaches that kindness is a result of the Holy Spirit working in a believer’s life. True kindness is not just about being nice but is a supernatural work of God’s love in action.

  • Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) – “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

  • Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) – “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Kindness in Action
Kindness is a command that believers are called to practice toward others, regardless of how they are treated in return.

  • Colossians 3:12 (NLT) – “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

  • Proverbs 3:3 (NLT) – “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.”

  • Luke 6:35 (NLT) – “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”

Conclusion
The Bible teaches that kindness is a reflection of God’s character, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and a command for believers. True kindness is sacrificial, extending even to enemies, and is a testimony of God's love at work in our lives.

God’s Heart on Kindness

God’s heart is full of kindness, extending grace and love to all people. His kindness is not based on our worthiness but is an expression of His character. The Bible reveals that God's kindness is deeply connected to His mercy, patience, and love, inviting us into a relationship with Him and calling us to reflect His kindness in the world.

God’s Kindness Leads to Repentance
God’s kindness is not merely an act of goodness but a pathway to salvation. He patiently calls people to turn to Him through His kindness.

  • Romans 2:4 (NLT) – “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”

God does not use force or fear to draw people to Himself but rather His lovingkindness, which opens the door to redemption.

God’s Kindness is Rooted in His Love
God’s kindness is an extension of His love, which is unwavering and faithful.

  • Titus 3:4-5 (NLT) – “But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

  • Psalm 136:26 (NLT) – “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.”

Because of His great love, God continues to show kindness to all, even when it is undeserved.

God Calls Us to Reflect His Kindness
God desires for His people to embody the same kindness He shows. His heart is for us to treat others with love, compassion, and grace.

  • Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) – “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

  • Colossians 3:12 (NLT) – “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

God’s Kindness Extends to All People
God’s heart is for kindness to be shown to all—friends, strangers, and even enemies. His kindness is an example for us to follow.

  • Luke 6:35 (NLT) – “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”

Conclusion
God’s heart is full of kindness—kindness that leads us to repentance, flows from His deep love, and calls us to be kind to others. His kindness is not limited or conditional but is a reflection of His perfect nature, inviting us to experience and share His love in the world.

Key Scriptures on Kindness

God’s Kindness Toward Us

  • Romans 2:4 – “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”

  • Titus 3:4-5 – “But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

  • Psalm 145:17 – “The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.”

God Calls Us to Show Kindness to Others

  • Ephesians 4:32 – “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

  • Colossians 3:12 – “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

  • Micah 6:8 – “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Kindness as a Fruit of the Spirit

  • Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

God’s Kindness Extends Even to Enemies

  • Luke 6:35 – “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”

  • Proverbs 25:21-22 – “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.”

The Blessing of Kindness

  • Proverbs 11:17 – “Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.”

  • Proverbs 19:17 – “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!”

These verses show that kindness is at the heart of God's nature and is something He calls His people to live out daily.

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