Corinthians 13:4b
Ps Paul Cheng
“…It is amazing how the gracious and loving God has transformed him or her into such a kind person!…”
~2 min read
Dear Bethelites,
Love is kind (1 Corinthians 13:3b)
To be kind is to be gracious. When Jesus commanded us to love our enemies in Matthew 5:40-41, He did not simply mean to have some kind thoughts, gracious feelings or sentiments about our enemies, but to be kind to them in action. Jesus said, And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. To let him have thy cloak and go with him twain were commands to love not only in words but action!
How do we apply this “love in action” practically?
The first place we should begin showing kindness is the home. The Christian husband must be kind to his wife and children, and the siblings must be kind to one another and to their parents. They have more than just kind feelings toward one another. They do kind things for one another, to the point of self-sacrifice, when necessary.
Then this kindness must be extended to the covenantal family. The church is the place where we show kindness to one another. We show kindness with the words we speak to encourage and edify, and not to discourage, or words of gossip and divisiveness. We show kindness by praying for one another - we are eager to attend prayer meetings to supplicate in prayers and give thanks for answered prayers. We show kindness by our services for one another - we serve one another, and we are happy to lead and assist one another, and attend to the duties whenever others are unable to.
Finally this kindness is exercised not only in our family and church, but everywhere we go. In our workplace, school and amongst friends, and toward people whom we meet. We are happy to help those who are in need whether spiritually, physically or financially. Biblical kindness always points the people to God and never to ourselves. We do not show kindness so that the people would pat us on our backs and say, “Look, he or she is so gracious and loving. He or she is such a remarkable person!” We want the people to say, “It is amazing how the gracious and loving God has transformed him or her into such a kind person!”
With love in Christ, Pastor Paul Cheng
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