We read of the subject of “The Kindness of God” in a number of passages of scripture in the Bible, the Word of God. It says in, II Samuel 9:1 “And the king (David) said, is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him?” It says in, Titus 3:4 “But after that, the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared”. Speaking to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, it says in, Ephesians 2:7 “That in the ages to come He (God) might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus”.
The words on David’s lips revealed what was in David’s heart. David remembered a twenty-year-old promise he made to his friend Jonathan. Some twenty years back, David made a covenant with Jonathan. He promised not only to show kindness to Jonathan but also to any of his house. It was love that prompted David and he wanted to fulfill his promise. For the entire history of mankind, God has demonstrated His kindness to man. It says in, I John 4:8 “God is love”. That God is love is His essential nature. He demonstrated or exhibited His love by sending His Son into the world to die for lost, helpless, hopeless sinners. Because he is a loving God, it is in His heart to demonstrate His kindness to unworthy and undeserving sinners.
Titus 3:3-5 “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that, the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” When we turn into a new leaf and walk in the ways of the lord, the kindness of God is upon us, and He provides mercy, through which we are saved.
Ephesians 2:7 “That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. His kindness through Jesus Christ is the salvation we get as our Lord has paid for the penalty of our sins.
Kindness is the characteristic that led God to provide salvation for us. Kindness leads God to give us green pastures, quiet waters, and the restoration of our souls when we’re weary (Psalm 23:2-3). It is God’s tender care that makes Him want to gather us under His wings, protect us, and keep us close to Him. (Psalm 17:8; 61:4;). God expressed kindness when He provided for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath during a drought and He showed more kindness later when He raised the widow’s only son from the dead (1 Kings 17:8-24). When Sarah exiled Hagar and Ishmael, God gave the outcasts kindness in the form of water and hope (Genesis 21:9-21). kindness leads the Good Shepherd to rescue us when we go astray. When we exhibit the kindness of God, we are tender, benevolent, and useful to others. To maintain this attitude toward those we love is hard enough. To express kindness toward those who are against us requires the work of God. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit.
Dr Ashwin Drummond
Laddertoheaven.co.in