Bible Thoughts

July 28, 2002

The house of Saul had not treated David as they should. He now had an opportunity to repay their actions with kindness. He was Jonathan’s friend, regardless of how Saul had treated him. Out of the goodness of his heart, the Shepherd King would extend mercies to those who were left of Saul’s house. Mephibosheth became the object of the king’s mercy and kindness. Whatever others may do to you or I, we are not to cease to be kind to those who have mistreated us, nor to their descendants. David had a great heart in spite of his own mistakes. Let his example inspire us to be kind even to those whose families have not treated us as they should.

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue”(Proverbs 31:26).

The righteous woman uses her knowledge in contact with others while speaking kindly to those whom she approaches. A kind word from a godly woman can serve to encourage a person to do what is right.(Men can practice such as well!) The use of kind words can have a positive effect upon those to whom they are spoken. Many an angry individual has been calmed by a kind word. Many of those who are hurt have been eased by a kind word. Many who find themselves in difficult circumstances have been able to endure by a kind word. The power of kindness found in the tongue cannot be underestimated. Many of the conflicts between people could be solved by a kind word.

“And the barbarians showed us no common kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold”(Acts 28:2).

The simple act of these strangers on Melita demonstrated a willingness to care for the shipwrecked Paul and his company. A fire by a caring hand was needed to warm and dry those who were wet from the angry waves. It does not take some great act to show kindness to others. Merely helping one who has some difficulty can prove to be a decent action on the part of a disciple of Christ. Such kindnesses can be extended to one’s kin, one’s friend, one’s neighbor, and yes--even to one who is considered an enemy.(Are we not to love our enemies?) Kindness is not limited to physical health or material health, but a word of encouragement, an invitation to study the Bible, or an inquiry into one’s needs through a spirit of kindness could well lead one into the path to eternal life.

As the apostle Paul described his experiences of life, among other things, he stated that “kindness” was part of his dedication to the cause of Christ"(II Corinthians 6:5).

Paul did not let his negative experiences take away his positive qualities. He was distressed, afflicted, beaten, imprisoned, and suffered many other mistreatments. But he did not give up. He found kindness along with all of the unpleasantries. He not only found it--he practiced it. He did not let all of the adversities that he experienced stand in the way of his willingness to treat people as the Lord wants them to be treated. If a man ever lived(besides Jesus Christ) who had a right to be unkind to some, the apostle was that man. I know of no one who has suffered as a Christian as did Paul. For some, even the least of adversities or mistreatment(sometimes from brethren) will so discourage a person that they cease to walk in the paths of righteousness. When others mistreatment me, I have no license to mistreat them or others, or, quitting the Lord because some brother or sister was unkind to me. Let kindness be a way of life for each of us. In word or deed, be kind to God’s children and all others.

“Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness...”(II Peter 1:7).

All kindness originates within the heart. Whatever treatment one gives to others does come from the heart, whether good or bad. After all, the heart(the mind) controls our thoughts and our actions. It takes time and effort to cultivate the attitude of kindness to others, especially those with whom we are not close friends. In order to be kind, one must have a “heart of compassion.” It is difficult for some to extend mercy and kindness to those who are not exactly like us.

"That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness"(Proverbs 19:22).

Only the most perverse of individuals rejects kindness in others. When the disciple of Christ demonstrates his concern and interest in others by helping when help is needed, such will be recognized by those who are of honest heart. Think of those whom you esteem in your mind. Are they kind? Do you enjoy being around such individuals? If you have a problem, would you want to find someone who is kind enough to help you work out your difficulties? Kindness is one of the bulwarks of a Christian. Practice it at home, at work, with friends, at play, and when in the presence of other disciples of Christ. The Lord was kind enough to die on the cross for us, should we not also have enough kindness in each of us to set an example that will lead others to the Master? The answer is obvious.

A third-grade class was learning about whales when the teacher related the story of Jonah and the whale. At the end of the story, the teacher explained that it would be physically impossible for the whale to swallow a human being because whales have very small throats.

One little girl in the class said that because the story was in the Bible, she believed it was true. "When I get to heaven," the little girl said, "I will ask Jonah."

The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to that other place?"

The little girl replied, "Then you can ask him."(from Around the Square, newsletter of the Rotary Club of Lancaster, Tx.)