In The Garden
"The Attributes of Love"
KINDNESS
Osella Clabaugh

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Scripture Texts: "Love suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." I Corinthians 13:4 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Romans 12:10

Today I would like to continue on the "Attributes of Love".

Last week I talked about the attribute of love known as patience. Today I would like to talk about the attribute of love known as Kindness.

I Corinthians 13:4 says

"Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."

and Romans 12:10 says,

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."

My friend it is not enough to just be patient with people, we must be kind to them. Believe me it is easier to have patience with people than it is to be kind to them. You may be thinking I don't think so. Oh but my friend think of people you know. There are unloving cruel people who have lots of patience but are not kind at all. "Kind" means to show oneself mild.., of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person. Patience is a form of restraint while kindness is a form of expression. Imagine what kind of powerful Christian we would be if we combined patience and kindness with the Power of the Holy Spirit. Wow!! We would be victorious Christians.

Random acts of kindness are a wonderful way to reach across time and space to touch the life of another being. They have become very popular among people of all walks of life. But as a Christian acts of kindness should be a way of life for us. As Jesus did we should be always willing to reach out and lend a helping hand, say an encouraging word, or giving a friendly smile to others. Always remember you may be the only Christ that others see. Beverly F Walker wrote, "Every drop of kindness that you give away, Returns to you to bless your life one day!"

I Challenge you to be kind to ALL you come in contact with today. Let Jesus shine through you. Do at least one random act of kindness each day. Lao Tzu wrote "kindness in words creates confidence, Kindness in thing creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." Remember, the greatest act of kindness you can do is to lead a lost soul to Jesus. God bless you, let's pray.

Father today we ask that you would teach us to be kind to those who ignore us and those who treat us mean. Today we ask that you would help us to remember that we are love and love is kind. May we show all we come in touch with love and use us Lord to win others into your kingdom. In Jesus name I pray Amen.