Thursday, April 25, 2013

Kindness in Action 4



Hello everyone,
Jesus shows us what Godly kindness is like through the Samaritan.

Kindness will take ACTION.

The Samaritan did not pass by or ignore the one in need.
The Samaritan took action to do what he could to help meet the need.

  • Kindness is love in action.
  • Kindness is not an attitude we develop in our heart;
  • Kindness has to get out;
  • Kindness held in is not kindness at all.

1 Corinthians 13 tells us, “Love is kind;” in other words, love takes action and finds expression through kindness.

Kindness is love serving. To serve others requires action!
Kindness will give; it will share.
Kindness will provide for others; it supplies what is lacking.

Sometimes all that is needed is a kind word.

An elderly lady always went to the local post office because the employees were so friendly. Once she was waiting in a long line to buy stamps just before Christmas. The man in line behind her said, “Maim there’s no need for you to wait in line; you can buy your stamps at the machine in the lobby.” The old woman said, “I know, but the machine won’t smile or ask about my arthritis.”

The only action the machine could provide was to dispense stamps, but the action of the employees dispensed stamps and kindness!

• Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people . . . clothe yourselves with . . . kindness.

Kindness will take a RISK.

The Samaritan did not stop to consider if the robbers were still lurking behind the rocks. The Samaritan was willing to put his possessions and even his life in jeopardy to offer kindness to the one who was in need.

What if Jesus had wanted to play it safe? What if He didn’t want to take any chances? We would still be lost in our sin without any hope for salvation.

• Philippians 2:6-8 (Msg.)
[6] He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. [7] Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! [8] . . . He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion.

Jesus was willing to take a chance and risk everything so He could meet our need.
He was not worried about the price.
He determined to give what we needed no matter what.

That’s what kindness does; it will take a risk.

Greater things are still to come!

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