20-DAY CHALLENGE: LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (DAY-6)

20-DAY CHALLENGE: LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (Day 6)

“KINDNESS” IS A GODLY CHARACTERISTIC EXPECTED OF CHRISTIANS

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:32)

MEDITATION:
Whenever we surrender our lives to the Lord,
it is a decision that calls for a change in our lives.
It is also an agreement on our part that we are willing
to accept and embrace the changes we will experience.
In order to be changed, we will have to include
redirecting the spotlight from ourselves to others.

It doesn’t mean we are no longer important,
but our importance has shifted.
We have a responsibility to meet God’s expectations
of having a greater consideration of other people.
becoming more focused on having a positive influence on others.
Even though we have emotional needs ourselves,
we need to look for opportunities to encourage others.

Once we accept our new role, we can discover the joy
associated with encouraging and lifting the spirits of others.
It is a significant change that will require developing
a new attitude with a desire to be more kind to others.
For some of us, it will mean ‘learning’ a new skill.
Why should we ‘learn’ to be more kind to others?
Because the scriptures tell us to,
“be kind and compassionate to one another”.

When we do this, we are following
the example of Jesus (our Savior who is kind to us).
We have made a conscious decision to obey His
instructions, which were given to those who belong to Him.

In order to succeed, we need to be aware that Satan will
Plant all kinds of negative thoughts in our minds, such as,
“They don’t deserve encouragement and kindness!”
or, “What have they ever done for me?”
Overcoming these thoughts will be easier whenever
we pause and remember how Jesus treated others.

Here are a few scriptures which remind us to be kind:

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
(Proverbs 12:25)
Others are blessed by our kindness; we can cheer them up.
(this should be our inspiration and motivation for being kind).

Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. (Proverbs 11:17)
We benefit from being kind to others;
anything that is opposite of kindness is detrimental to us.
(we need to remember this whenever we
have a desire to ‘get revenge’, or ‘put someone down’)

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is
to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us—yes, the
many good things he has done for Israel, according to his
compassion and many kindnesses. (Isaiah 63:7)
We should be prepared and have a desire to tell others
about the Lord’s kindness to us (and to all mankind).

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Kindness is an indication we have a Godly love in our hearts.
Think for a moment what that means
as we strive to become more like Jesus.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (Galatians 5:22)
When we are kind, it indicates the presence (and use)
of at least one spiritual gift God has given us.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
Kindness shows that
we have a desire to ‘wear God’ in our daily lives.

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be
kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. (2 Timothy 2:24)
We are not given the luxury of choosing which people will
receive our kindness, we are instructed to “be kind to everyone”.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it
by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from
wisdom. (James 3:13)
Kindness is an indication that we have received
and are using Godly wisdom in the way we live.

ACTION:
If someone asked you to tell about the last time
you showed kindness to someone with no expectations
of anything in return, how would you respond?

Whenever we encourage others, it is an act of kindness.
Everyone can use encouragement
(including those who are actively serving the Lord;
it can sometimes feel like a thankless effort).

Another way to show kindness is to be forgiving of others
(even when they have hurt us in some way).

If you are a true believer and follower of the Lord,
being kind is not an option, it is an expectation
and a command from the Lord.
Always remember that we also benefit when we are kind to others.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for not obeying Your
command to be kind to others. Help me to make the
changes I need to make in order to take seriously my
responsibility of being kind, even if it is not well received
or appreciated. Remind me that showing kindness is proof
of by desire to obey and please You. Help me to be sensitive
and look for opportunities to be kind to others. Give me the
wisdom to know when others need encouragement, and to
know what to do or say at the right time. Thank You for
Your kindness to me!”