by Barbara Latta
Fruit of the Spirit series – Kindness
Read the previous post here
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| Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness |
King David had a covenant with his friend Jonathan. Even
though Jonathan was dead, he still wanted to show kindness to the family of
Jonathan because of love for his friend.
Then David said, “Is there yet anyone left of the house
of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1
NASB).
The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 are
traits we are indwelt with when the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. But
God never changes. Even though David lived under the Old Covenant and was not
filled with the Holy Spirit the way believers are today, God still exhibited Himself
through David because David loved God and followed His commandments.
The kindness of the Holy Spirit shone through David to
extend to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. He found this now grown son of Jonathan
and brought him to live in the king’s palace and eat the king’s food. All
because of kindness.
God extends His kindness toward us…so that in the ages to
come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in
Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7).
David’s favor toward Mephibosheth changed the life of
Jonathan’s son. He was living in poverty and fear until the king showed him
kindness. When God shows kindness to us, we are redeemed from the poverty and
fear that sin brings, and we are brought into the King’s palace and we can sit
at the King’s table.
Our Father shows great kindness to us by forgiving us and
giving new life in Christ. When we allow Him to have control, that same
kindness can be flowing out of us toward others.
The fruit of the Spirit can bring the world to the King’s
table.
Feel free to join the conversation and share your thoughts.
I love this. Kindness, a magical word when put into action.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jimmie. It is a great word when we put it into action. Blessings!
DeleteI'm living proof of what "Kindness" can result in Ms. Barbara. Thank you for this great post ma'am. Something we all need to grow more in.
ReplyDeleteThanks, J.D. We all do need to spread more kindness. We can't have too much. Blessings!
DeleteLove this! Thank you for the reminder. Kindness does matter. You are right, it can change a life!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephanie. Blessings!
DeleteThis is a beautiful thought, Barbara: "When God shows kindness to us, we are redeemed from the poverty and fear that sin brings, and we are brought into the King’s palace and we can sit at the King’s table." And if God shows that kindness to me, then I certainly need to show kindness to others. Thanks for the reminder!!
ReplyDeleteThanks,Julie. When we remember the kindness extended to us we can share that same kindness with others. Blessings!
DeleteKindness is appreciated across the ages. God knows that we all need a little kindness in our lives. David was gracious to grant kindness to Mephibosheth, but I pray God helps me be kind even to those who don't deserve it. That is always easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteYes, Joanna, it is easier said than done. Our flesh wants to lash out but God shows us kindness when we don’t deserve it and His power enables us to do the same for others. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
DeleteMy mom used to say, "A little kindness goes a long way." And it is so true. It's the Lord's kindness that leads us to repentance. His kindness displayed through us to another could be a seed planted toward someone receiving Christ. It's THAT important.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Your mom was wise, Becky. God gives those seeds of kindness to plant in others so they can know His grace as well. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteDavid's kindness to Mephibosheth is an example for us all. Kindness is one of the easiest traits for us to demonstrate, but yet, it is so lacking in society. I pray that we can be examples for others. We can make a difference--one kind action at a time!
ReplyDeleteYes, Katherine, it's sad that kindness is rare in our society. I'm glad God gave us examples like David as a man after God's heart to follow in God's kindness. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteAlways love to read your blogs....i pove you.
ReplyDeleteK
Love
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