Love is Kind

Love is kind . . . 1 Corinthians 13:4

The LORD appeared to us in the past^, saying:  “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

We can allow ourselves to be tempted to shortchange kindness as simple manners.  But kindness is more than that.

Kindness gives blessings when insulted.  Kindness offers mercy instead of justice.  Kindness is courage in the face of hurt.

To only love those who love us, to give kindness to those who give it first - that is not love.  True love, true kindness, blesses and anoints the receiver with a spirit that is everlasting.  That doesn't fail.  That kind of love is a choice. 

It's not an easy or natural choice.  But it is still our choice.  When we give our children forgiveness, it spreads over them like warm oil.  This kind of love truly spreads - across people, families, communities and nations. 

Kindness is not the ability to be a doormat.  It is not letting people walk all over you.  Kindness is not weak, it is strong.  It's being strong enough to say, the Lord will take care of me.  So I'm not afraid of you.  I can still have the courage to love you, no matter what you do.

Do you have true kindness?  Can you overlook the faults and weaknesses of others to help them draw closer to God and his love?  Can you help them discover his true, deep, fathomless kindness?

You can, if you begin with him.  His loving kindness will show you the way.