The people of New Hope have been on some great mission trips. This is the California one, where they processed oranges to send to Third World countries. And most recently, a group went to Georgia to help clean up after the storms there in the spring. What a picture of kindness and compassion. Colossians 3 commands us firstly, after we have understood that we are chosen, holy and beloved in Christ, to put on compassion and kindness. Paul gives us in his letter to Timothy a pretty hard picture of kindness: "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness." This takes it a little deeper than just delivering cookies at Christmastime or popping some money in the Salvation Army kettle, as good as those things are. Enduring evil? Correcting with gentleness? But look at God's kindness to us: "I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them." (Hosea 11:4) This kindness is active and living and hard. What a kind God we have. And he wants to demonstrate this same kindness through us, His Body, to the world. How else will they know this kindness that has touched us?
Could you share a story of God's kindness to you? We would be encouraged to hear it.
God has been so kind!! He does not treat me as my sins deserve. He is my Father who listens to me when I just need to vent my feelings. His warm and loving arms have come around me to hold me when I am sorrowful or scared. His kind bounty has been passed along to me by the kindness of His people...
ReplyDelete...teaching part-time at a Christian school barely helps make ends meet, but God provided an envelope in my church mailbox with some money in it from an anonymous donor...some thoughtful friends have supplied diapers for my little one this whole year...another friend finds discounted children's clothes and gives them away...We are so blessed to be a part of the Body of Christ! Thank you, all! Your kindness is from God and God bless you!
Oh Heidi, that is beautiful and so true! He knows our infirmities, and loves to delight us with his care. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJean