Love is kind.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Luke 6:35
As a kindergarten teacher, I use the word kind very often. It helps to remedy 5-year old drama and can sound like an easy elementary skill. We teach children from a young age to be kind to one another—sharing, keeping hands to themselves, etc. Let us humble ourselves today, like children, and re-learn kindness.
In this popular verse defining love, the word kind is derived from the Greek word “chrestos” meaning serviceable or good. Now, these words seem so basic at surface level, until we realize that this specific Greek word usually refers to the character of God instead of people. For example, in 1 Peter 2:3, we see chrestos as Peter says “now that you have tasted that the Lord is good (kind).” Again in Luke, Jesus uses the word to compare human kindness to the chrestos kindness of God. He points to the way that our version of kindness is usually limited to those who we think to deserve it. Human kindness simply reciprocates positive energy. We give compliments when someone compliments us first. We are pained when we give a gift but don’t get one in return. Even as a teacher, it is easier to be kind to the students who follow directions and participate more.
This is not at all to be equated with the immeasurable and inherent kindness of God. For He does not let His kindness depend on our behavior, but is kind because of His perfect character. He sent Jesus to die for our sins—knowing we would refuse him and live our own way. He is kind. He keeps breath in our lungs even though we use that breath to sin against Him. He is kind.
English is such a limiting language. How can one word refer to both a child sharing a cookie and Yahweh’s treatment of us? Thank God for the Greeks!
So today, as we seek to understand and replicate God’s version of love, let us also seek to be kind as he is kind. Being kind to someone who can return the favor: human. Being kind to someone who may never say thank you or change their ways: Christ-like.
Which are you?
Prayer:
Lord thank you for your unfailing kindness towards me! Thank you that you didn’t wait for me to deserve it before you showed me kindness. I repent for every time I have withheld kindness from someone based on their behavior. Help me to be more like you today. I know it doesn’t mean anything to be kind to someone who deserves it; even sinners do that (Luke 6:33). Instead, help me to rely on your spirit to love those who hate me, and bless those who curse me. Thank you for being an example. I love You more than what comes naturally. In Jesus’ name, amen.
