THE KINDNESS OF GOD


"... in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:7

What does it mean to be kind? It is the opposite of being rude, mean, or selfish. To be kind is to be thoughtful, as opposed to being thoughtless towards another. It is “other centered”. It is gentle in nature. Kindness has no other motive than to bless another. This is the kindness of God. Kindness is a display of His favor towards us, demonstrated in actions done with gentleness. The kindness of God is also the heart and actions of His intimacy towards us.

As with many of His attributes, God's kindness is a combination of all that He is. In regard to His kindness, it is both His grace and His mercy. His kindness and demonstrated by not only what He gives us but also by what He withholds.

In a world full of selfishness and rudeness it is a deep comfort to realize that we have and all powerful, all-knowing God who is genuinely kind towards us. 

It is not out of a fear of us disliking Him that He acts kind, nor is it a false deceptive front to somehow lure us into harm. It is a kindness of the most genuine concern. His kindness towards us is not on a whim but rather an intentional series of actions solely for our benefit and well-being.

The all-powerful hand of the Mighty One has been gentle upon us. He has looked our way and has been kind. He has acted generously on our behalf. He has bent His knee, turned His heart towards us and found something worthy in us so that He would desire to act in kindness. What can that worthiness be? What has the Omniscient One seen in us? All we know is that we have found favor in His eyes and He has given freely to us.  

Kindness is costly. It is easy to be kind to those who can benefit you or to those who have been kind to you. They deserve it. But His kindness is given despite our being undeserving. 

The kindness of God chooses. It chooses to act towards us instead of ignoring us. It chooses to be patient instead of lashing out. It chooses to be tolerant rather than to punish. It chooses to be gentle rather than harsh. It chooses to bless instead of curse. It is chooses to be good rather than chastise. Kindness is a choice and God has chosen kindness towards you and me.

Self gain and advancement can motivate kindness. They smile, they do something nice. They make you feel special. It appears generous and sacrificial, but it’s actions can be insincere. Having kindness lavished upon us often leaves us suspect, “What do they want from me? What's the catch?" God’s acts of kindness have no further motivation than to have us. He wants you and me. Kindness comes from the core of who He is. He does acts of kindness because He is kind.  

God’s acts of kindness can never be held suspect. Neither should they ever be ignored. It was His kindness towards us that sent His Son. His acts display His nature. The Lord is kind.  

Recount today all the ways that he has been kind to you.


More Scriptures:
Psalm 145:8  8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate; he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love.

Luke 6:35  35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people.

Romans 2:4  4 Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?

Titus 3:4–5  4  But “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,








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