We continue the Friday Focus on the fruits of the spirit, with this week being kindness. Our reading is from Titus 3:4-6:
“But when the kindness and love of God our saviour appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit who He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ.“
As followers of Jesus, we should imitate God’s kindness in our relationship with all others. Kindness is ingrained in a true relationship with Jesus Christ. It is up to us to develop this gift of the spirit.
Kindness can be reflected in all our relationships, being as merciful and gracious as Christ is to us. Kindness is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. Linked with ‘love’, as in ‘loving kindness’, it is a manner of speaking and acting, an attitude of behaviour that stands firm in the love of our Lord. Kind words and actions are never wasted like scattered seeds. Like scattered seeds, they spring up in unexpected places.
Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, entreats us to “sow generously”, for “God loves a cheerful giver”. Amen
Let us pray.
Dear God, as we have listened today to celebrate the fruit of kindness. Being kind in our thoughts, words, and actions each day, helps us to see those around us in the same way as You do, as loved and treasured people. God, help our hearts be more like Yours and help activate our hands by your spirit as we work to show You kindness and generosity in all that we do. Even if our way of doing so may seem insignificant at the time, every act of kindness and every prayer of love leaves a lasting impact on our world, on our future, and on our relationship with You. Today, let us think about how Jesus calls us to live His message by not only praying for kindness, but by becoming more kind human beings, for this is what You ask of us as members of Your family. Amen.
Written by Dean Brett, an elder at St Johns Hill URC in Sevenoaks.
