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LOVE IS KIND
LOVE IS KIND
(John Edwards)
In the context of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12-14), Paul had much to say about love. One might think of 1 Corinthians 13 as "the love chapter". There is perhaps no more beautiful description of love anywhere than what we read in verses 4-8. I try every day to think, speak and act in such a way that my name could be put in place of the word "charity" or "love" in those verses. I know I often fall short, but keep on trying! While we would do well to call attention to everything said about love, I just want to give emphasis in this writing to the fact that Paul said, "Charity…is kind…" (v. 4). Do you need to be reminded of that? I do. Here are some things that come to mind when I think about "love is kind".
God Is Love And He Is Kind. Can you think of any better or greater example of love than God Himself? John declared, "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love" (1 Jn. 4:8). Jesus said, "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil" (Lk. 6:35). This makes some things stand out. First, God's love and kindness was shown toward His enemies. It is easier to love those who love you and to be kind to those who are kind to you. But, God loved the unloveable, if you will. The Lord asked, "For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same" (Lk. 6:32-33). The love of God was shown toward us through Christ (Eph. 2:7; Titus 3:4). We were once enemies, now friends because of His loving kindness (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21)! Notice also that the God of love is "kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." What a statement! We might think certain individuals don't deserve our love or kindness. Did we deserve His? Where would we be without the love and kindness of God toward us? They may not be as thankful as we think they should be. In fact, they may just be plain "unthankful" and "evil", but if God can be kind unto the unthankful and to the evil, can we love, do good, and be kind unto such? I need to be reminded of that. How about you?
Christians To Be A People Of Love And Kindness. Paul penned, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph. 4:32). Again it is written, "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness…" (Col. 3:12). We are taught to add "to godliness brotherly kindness" (2 Pet. 1:7). There are many we are taught to love. Jesus taught disciples, "That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (Jn. 13:34). Matthew 5:44 says, "Love your enemies…" We are instructed, "love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mt. 22:39). Ephesian husbands were admonished, "love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Eph. 5:25). Elders are to be esteemed "very highly in love for their work's sake" (1 Th. 5:13). Aged women are to "teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children" (Titus 2:4). We could talk about being kind to each of these we are to love. How about we give some space to husbands and wives.
Husbands And Wives, Love Is Kind. How many husbands and wives have you known over the years who spoke disrespectfully and disparagingly of their spouse? I've heard wives belittle and ridicule their husbands and husbands do the same of their wives. I don't believe they understand or recognize how ugly that makes them look. They may not be good, but you can still do them good. I am reminded of the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 and how the Bible says, "…in her tongue is the law of kindness" (31:26). Is kindness in your tongue? Is it in mine? How do we speak about our spouse to others? Do we praise them? "…her husband praiseth her", remember (31:28). How do we speak to them? What do we say, and how do we say it? Are we critical of them? Do we insult them? Do we call them names? Do we mock and ridicule them? Are we complimentary of them? Do we thank them? Do we tell them how much we love and appreciate them? Perhaps you've seen a sign that said: "Practice Random Acts of Kindness". Are we kind in our actions? Think what it would do in the home if husbands and wives practiced such towards one another. What if husbands and wives arose from their beds in the morning with the thought, what acts of kindness can I show toward her/him today? How can I make their day better, more pleasant and enjoyable, spectacular? What are some practical things I can do as a husband to show kindness and love toward my wife? Here is a starter list for us to add to: Saying, "I love you". "I am thankful for you." Being considerate of her needs. "What would you like to do today?" "Is there anything you need or that I can get or do for you or help you with?" Texting her or calling her to just remind her that you love and appreciate her. Bringing her flowers. Giving her gifts. Helping with the household chores like taking out the trash, keeping up with the yard and home maintenance issues, cleaning and dusting, doing laundry. Ever wash, dry and fold clothes? Running to the store for her. Preparing a meal or taking her out for dinner. Working hard to provide a roof over her head, food on her table, clothes on her back, shoes on her feet and the like. Taking a day off to spend with her to do what she enjoys. Doing things for her family that they need. We're just getting started, aren't we?
As husbands, have we taken note of all the things our wonderful wives do for us day in and out that express love and kindness toward us? There's not enough space to list them, right. Our wives put our needs ahead of their own, don't they. Have you thanked your mother and father-in-law for having given you the most wonderful woman in the world?
May God help us as husbands and wives to remember and to reflect in this beautiful God-made relationship that, LOVE IS KIND!
