...Kindness...

Kindness, noun "the state or quality of being kind; a kind act; favor; kind behavior; friendly feeling; liking." This is one that isn't too far off from the original Greek meaning. The Greek word for Kindness is chrestotes (pronounced hre-stot-as [long a]) and is essentially translated as goodness in action, expressing itself in deeds.

As I studied this word and saw its meaning a quote came to mind that I heard several years ago, "Your talk talks, and your walk talks; but your walk talks louder than your talk talks." Normally people have to look at that one a couple times to get it. But that's the idea of chrestotes. Kindness is doing the right thing because its the right thing to do.

For this one we look at the story found in 2 Samuel 9, David and Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the the son of Jonathan, and the grandson of King Saul. Based on blood line, he is the heir to the throne. But we see in 1 Samuel 13 that Saul is rejected as king and in 1 Samuel 16 that God chooses David to become the next king.

Normally what would have happened in this situation is that the new king would kill all of the relatives of the previous king in order to protect his throne. This is not the response of David. Rather than killing the descendant of his predecessor, he restores the land of Saul to Mephibosheth. Instead of taking his life he invites him to eat at his table. David shows kindness.

Kindness is essential, Romans 2.4 says that the kindness of God leads you to repentance. My mentor has often said, "No one ever became a Christian because they lost an argument. People become followers of Christ because they are shown love."

Kindness is directly related to love.

If you remember, patience is enduring trial and hardship without complaining or retaliating. Kindness takes patience one step farther and instead of just enduring, it does something good. I am able to do good because I have endured without complaint. I am able to endure without complaint because I have contentment through peace. I have peace because I have joy, a source of rejoicing, and that source of rejoicing is the unconditional love I have from God.

Let your walk talk today, let your life be full of chrestotes, goodness expressed through action.

Peace be with you.