Category Archives: Kindness

Bible, Fruit, Holy Spirit, Kindness, Scripture, Testimony

THE KIND GOD

ROMANS 2:4

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” 

Kindness is a lost virtue nowadays, isn’t it? We watch the news and all we see are muggings, shootings and other crimes against humanity. My wife and I like to watch a reality show (don’t judge, lol) about police officers. It’s a live broadcast that follows various law enforcement departments around the country. Kindness is not exemplified very much on that show. But sometimes…you will see it from someone you least expect to show it. That’s always refreshing.

Paul uses two different forms of the Greek word for “kindness.” The first word is the noun form of “kindness” – xrēstótēs which means “useable, i.e. well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable…refers to meeting real needs, in God’s way, in His timing (fashion). Hence xrēstótēs is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).” (HELPS Word studies). The second word for “kindness” is xrēstós which is the adjective form of the same word. We don’t really have a word in the English that adequately defines these words. But we do know that God is a kind and gracious God.

APPLICATION

Since the second “kindness” in today’s verse is an adjective, you could translate the last phrase of today’s verse this way, “not knowing that the kind God leads you to repentance?” I like that. God is so kind to lead us to repentance. He wants to really meet our needs and even our wants sometime. God exemplifies true kindness by welcoming us into His family.

I have known some very kind people in my life. Some of those are my African brothers and sisters. When I have the privilege to visit there, they welcome as one of the family. Whatever I need they seek to provide. They go out of their way to make me feel at home. If I get sick (which has occurred from time to time), they are so caring and comforting. Their kindness is incredible.

Do you have that fruit of the Spirit? Well, of course you do. If you are a believer and Christ is your life, you have all the fruit of the Spirit in you. We choose not to live them out. Your kindness toward others speaks volumes. You may be able to reach some people for Jesus just by showing them kindness. Try it today. Let the kind God give you His kindness to share with others.

O Lord, thank You for being so kind to me and drawing me to Yourself.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Compassion, Gentleness, Heart, Humility, Kindness, New, Patience, Scripture

A NEW HEART

COLOSSIANS 3:12

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;”

I have known people who received a heart transplant. I met some while I was having treatment for my own disease which can attack your heart. These individuals were given a new chance at life with a new heart. But guess what? They will still die. That new human heart will not last forever. We only have as many heart beats as God has planned for us. I truly believe that.

In today’s verse, Paul tells the Colossians (and us) to “put on” a new heart. What does he mean by that? This verb is an Aorist Imperative Middle. Thank you, Carl, that really blessed me. Hang on! Aorist tense means it happened in the past. Imperative mood means it is a command. And Middle voice means only you can do it. Let’s look at what kind of heart this is.

APPLICATION

Paul says it is “a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;” Wow, that’s a lot. I might hit one of those a day, but all five? That’s asking a lot. Or is it? See, it is not up to me to be all of these. Christ in me can do this with His eyes shut, right? We just need to let Him give us that heart, accept it and He will do the rest.

We are told to put on Christ (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27). We are told to clothe ourselves with the armor of God in Ephesians 6 and Romans 13:12. We are told to put on the new self in Ephesians 4:24. That’s a lot of “putting on.” Don’t you understand? One “putting on” of Christ covers all of this. He is the whole outfit.

One good thing about wearing a uniform to school or work is you don’t have to worry about what you are going to wear. Someone else has decided what you should wear. That’s how it is with Jesus. He has the perfect thing for you to put on, but you have decide to put it on. Will you do that today?

Clothe me today with righteousness and holiness so that I will have this new heart.

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Bible, Compassion, Forgiveness, Kindness, Scripture

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE FORGIVEN?

EPHESIANS 4:32

“Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Oh wow! What a verse! This should be so easy for us, shouldn’t it? If we love Jesus, we should be kind, compassionate and forgiving. I have been hurt in the past that demanded my forgiveness. I have hurt others in the past that required me to seek forgiveness. It takes an effort. It’s not natural to our flesh, but it is natural to Christ.

Paul wants so much for these believers to whom he is writing to know the joy that comes from kindness, compassion and forgiveness. The body of Christ can’t function fully without these being practiced. The Greek word for “kind” is chrestos which is really a combination of kindness and goodness. This only comes from God. “Compassion” is eusplagchnos. I have to quote this definition because you probably wouldn’t believe me otherwise. HELPS Word studies says it is “the visceral organs (bowels) as they exercise positive gut-level sympathy (empathy, compassion) – i.e. ‘living with guts.’” And “forgiving” is xarízomai which is show grace or favor to someone.

APPLICATION

Can I address the forgiveness thing first? I truly believe this is the hardest things for Christians to get victory over. It is hard to forgive sometimes when we have been hurt. But Christ demands that we do it. Look back at the verse for today and focus on that last phrase which says, “just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” How has Christ forgiven you? How much has Christ forgiven you? And we won’t forgive someone for something they may have done to us? That is really sad.

I also believe you truly can’t forgive unless you show kindness and compassion. That word for compassion is only used one other time in 1 Peter 3:8. “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble;” Kindness doesn’t take a lot of effort, does it? We can all be kind.

One last thing about today’s verse. Both verbs that are used here, “be” and “forgiving,” are Present Imperatives. That means they are commands that you are to keep doing. You don’t do these once and stop. They are continuous – just like Christ continually forgives you. Be Jesus to someone today by being kind, compassionate and forgiving.

Lord, I don’t have the capacity to do these things, but in Your strength I can.

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Bible, Blessing, Goodness, Gospel, Humility, Kindness, Love, Scripture, Service

JUST DO GOOD 

GALATIANS 6:9 

“Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” 

I enjoy doing good. Don’t you? I mean, I really enjoy watching the reaction of people when I get the chance to do something good. Maybe it’s an unexpected, extra tip to a waitress. It could be secretly paying someone’s utility bill when you know they are struggling. We should never tire of doing those things when we have the opportunity. 

Why does Paul bring this up in today’s verse? He has just finished talking about reaping and sowing, flesh and spirit. He needs to remind the Galatians that doing good is admirable and is definitely Spirit driven, not flesh driven. He also knows that doing good, especially towards the unbelievers in their midst, could open doors for evangelism and the spread of the Gospel. 

APPLICATION 

Paul says over in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” In other words, don’t quit. Don’t give in. God’s work is never done. There is plenty to do. 

Paul even tells us there is a promise if we don’t give up. We will “reap, if we don’t grow weary.” Over in Colossians 3:23-24, Paul says, “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” 

What work are you doing right now? What good? Don’t stop. You may never hear a thank you from the person you are helping. It’s not about them. It’s all about being obedient to the Lord when He tells you to do something. That’s where you will receive the reward from one day. Don’t grow weary. 

Father God, give me the strength to serve others as You direct. 

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Bible, Blessing, Giving, Kindness, Money, Scripture, Teaching

TEACHERS OF THE WORD

GALATIANS 6:6

“The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” 

I have had some great teachers in my life. Some were in Primary School while others were in High School. Some of my favorites were in College and Seminary. But my favorite teachers are the ones who have taught me the Word. I did not know the gravity of this verse back then. If I had, I would have followed it more precisely. Good teachers are hard to come by.

Paul tells the Galatians in today’s verse that they, as students of the Gospel, need to provide for and help maintain those who have taught them the Word. Now, Paul is not purely advocating for himself. He fully trusted the Lord for his provision. But he also knew that God expected those who had been blessed to be a blessing to others.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 9:11-14, Paul tells the Corinthian church the same thing. “11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”

I make my living as a minister of the gospel. To be exact, I am a missionary who relies on others to support me financially. It is a humbling thing to ask people to give to you. But I am commanded by the Lord to do so. Those who are part of our ministry support team tell me how blessed they are by the privilege they have to give. You need to give to those who teach you. Don’t hold back their wages. Bless them and you too will be blessed.

Father, thank You for the opportunity You give us to be a part of someone’s ministry of the Word.

(If you would like to give to our ministry, you can do that at www.twr.org/carl-willis.)

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Accountability, Allies, Bible, Confrontation, Disciplemaking, Gentleness, Harmony, Kindness, Relationships, Scripture

CONFRONTATION

GALATIANS 2:11

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.”

It is not easy to confront someone who is in sin, is it? You risk losing that friend for life. But if you don’t confront them in love, you risk seeing them spiral downward. In the ministry I am serving in, Every Man A Warrior, we teach men to hold other men accountable. In fact, they have to sign a commitment to be a part of the group. One of the commitments says:

I will not be defensive if my brothers challenge me if I do not fulfill my commitment. I will welcome their challenge and seek greater faithfulness.

Paul had to confront Peter in Antioch. Why? Well, we will see that whole story in the next 10 verses (2:12-21). Paul had a mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. He, being a former Pharisee, was very careful to guard these new converts from being influenced by anyone who wanted to add to the requirements for salvation. That was through Christ alone. Just watch over the next several days how Paul confronts Peter about his hypocrisy. I am sure it was not easy to do this.

APPLICATION

The application for us in this verse is obvious. We have to confront our fellow believers when we see them in obvious sin. Why? Because we want to present to a lost world a united front. Listen to what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:24-26. “24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” Notice, Paul said “with gentleness.”

We even see Jesus confronting the religious leaders of His day in Matthew 23:25-26. “25 ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean.’” Read verses 13-32 to see all eight of the woes Jesus lays on these individuals. Remember, even though all this sounds harsh, Jesus loved these people and would eventually die, even for them.

As I said at the beginning, this is not easy. But it is so necessary. My wife will confront me when I am wrong. I may not like it, but I appreciate it (I really do, honey). I want to be a better man for her. I want to be a more godly man for her. I can get blinded to my own sin at times. I am thankful for others in my life who will hold me accountable and lovingly draw me back to Christ.

Father, give me the boldness to confront a brother or sister in Christ who are straying from the path.

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Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Caregiver, Direction, Giving, Kindness, Money, Oveflowing, Scripture

REMEMBER THE POOR

GALATIANS 2:10

“They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.”

My wife and I love to give to others as the Lord leads us. Recently, we were at a restaurant and heard of a need from our server. We agreed almost instantly that the Lord would have us help meet that need. We like to bless our servers in restaurants. We have gotten to know a few through repeated visits. These individuals basically work for tips since their hourly wage is very low. God has so richly blessed us. We know He would have us share that when needed.

Paul mentions in today’s verse that the apostles in Jerusalem instructed them to “remember the poor.” These were probably those Judean believers who were suffering because of their conversion to Christ. They may have lost jobs and families because of their new faith. They had needs which Paul was glad to help meet. This was not the only time he did this. We’ll look at some of those efforts below.

APPLICATION

You may be led to help take up a collection to help someone or a group. In Romans 15:25-27 we see Paul doing that for the Judean believers. “25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things.”

Paul tells the Corinthian church to do the same. 1 Corinthians 16:1 says, “1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you are to do as well.” Giving to others is something that has been seen all through Scripture. We see it in the Old and New Testaments.

I particularly like the way James puts this in James 2:15-16. “15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” Is that crystal clear? I think so. Ask the Lord if there is a need around you that you could meet. I promise you will be blessed as much if not more than the person who help.

God, direct me to those who You would have me bless and meet a need.

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Accused, Battles, Bible, Consequences, Forgiveness, God's Will, Innocent, Judgment, Justice, Kindness, Relationships, Scripture

INNOCENT VICTIM

MALACHI 2:14

“Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your marriage companion and your wife by covenant.”

Not many things divide the church like the subject of divorce. Some look at divorcees as having leprosy. They are not allowed to serve in certain areas of the church. A divorced man is instantly disqualified from ministry. I could go on and on. Few people take the time to find out why that person is divorced and if they, like today’s verse talks about, are the innocent victim in their divorce.

Malachi comes down hard on these priests in today’s verse. He plainly says that the Lord has taken up the defense of these discarded wives who are the innocent victims. They had done nothing wrong. They were the victims of their husbands wanting the foreign wives. God will defend the helpless.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of the verse in Psalm 103. Verse 6 says, “The LORD performs righteous deeds and judgments for all who are oppressed.” We are not always guaranteed justice in a court of law, but in God’s court, justice always reigns. That justice may be a long time coming, but He is always right on time. He is never late in His justice.

Take a look in your own church. How many divorcees are there? How many single moms are the innocent victims of their divorce? How many single men? How many people are remarried after a divorce but are still seen as “guilty” even though they too were the innocent victim. We cannot be too quick to judge, can we?

In fact, Jesus talks a little about that. Luke 6:37 tells us, “‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.’” This comes right after the Beatitudes which most of us are familiar with. Take a few minutes and read that section of Scripture. I promise the words will encourage you.

Lord, forgive me when I judge others without knowing the whole story. Lead me to those who just need an encouraging word.

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Abiding, Appearance, Bible, Confrontation, Enemies, Forgiveness, God's Will, Grace, Humility, Kindness, Scripture

THE HIGH GROUND

ZECHARIAH 14:10

“All the land will change into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; but Jerusalem will rise and remain on its site from Benjamin’s Gate as far as the place of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s wine presses.” 

Anyone with any knowledge of battle plans knows the importance of the high ground. From there you can see all around and monitor your enemies. You can defend your camp better from high ground. The downside of that high ground is your enemy can also see you. The high ground has its pros and cons, I guess.

The landscape around Jerusalem is going to change one day when this prophecy occurs. Verse 10 today tells us about this changing landscape. Jerusalem is currently surrounded pretty much with hills. But on this day, all those hills will be leveled a plain. Jerusalem will have the high ground. All will be able to observe the holy city. Jesus, the Messiah, is there for all to see.

APPLICATION

The application for this verse today has to be taken more allegorically. Will you give me some leeway today? Let me encourage you today to take the high ground, the high road, when it comes to conflict. Let your actions in response to your earthly foes be one of above reproach. I am reminded of the question posed by Peter regarding forgiveness. Matthew 18:21-22 tells us this story. “21 Then Peter came up and said to Him, ‘Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?’ 22 Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times.’”

The rabbinical law taught to forgive someone three times, so Peter thought he was going above and beyond by saying seven times. Jesus blew his mind with his answer – 77 times! What?! Then Jesus went on to tell a story about a king and a slave who owed him a great amount. You know the story. I bet Peter got the message.

How about you? Can you take the high ground, the high road? Can you be the one to extend forgiveness 77 times? And if others refuse to forgive you, just keep loving them. Let me rephrase that. Allow Jesus to love them through you. Die to yourself. Give it to Him. He can and will accomplish His perfect will in His perfect time.

Father, I want my life to be lived in such a way that I can be observed as if on high ground with nothing to hide.  

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Abiding, Attitude, Bible, Choices, Commands, Evil, Goodness, Kindness, Love, Promises, Scripture

DETERMINED FOR GOOD

ZECHARIAH 8:15

“‘“so I have again determined in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear!”’”

I have to admit that my heart has not always been determined for good. In my B.C. (Before Christ) days, I was rebellious and only wanted my own way. I would use people to get what I wanted. My heart was prone towards evil. I put on a good outward expression, but my heart was evil. I only did good if it would help me in my own pursuits. That’s a horrible way to live.

I love this little phrase in today’s verse. God says, “I have…determined…to do good.” He purposed. He decided. He planned. His goodness was not an accident. This same verb is used to describe the woman in Proverbs 31:16. “She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.” The word “considers” is the same word used here in Zechariah 8:15. God desires good for us. He is even planning and considering it for us now. That’s awesome.

APPLICATION

Guess what? You can “determine to do good” as well. Through Christ, you can do good for others, even those whom you don’t particularly like to be around. Just follow Christ’s example. He did good to all. He showed now preference. He reached out to the Samaritans, the publicans, the rich, the poor. He showed no prejudice. Paul tells us in Galatians 6:9, “Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.”

Over in 2 Thessalonians 3:13 we see Paul use the same exhortation to the Thessaloniki church. “But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good.” All through Scripture we are told to do good. We even quote the Golden Rule, don’t we? You know that. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Those words aren’t exactly in Scripture but do refer to the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31.

The bottom line is do good to others. Be like God. Let others see Jesus in you. Share the love of Jesus. Let it permeate you so much that it just “leaks out” on others. If you have someone in your life who does not like you or even hates you, pray for them. Lift them to Jesus. He can handle them a lot better that you can. And when He gives you the opportunity to bless them, do it. Do good, not evil. Be Jesus to someone today.

Give me the chance to do good today, O Lord. I want to be like You.

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