Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (KJV)
Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. (God's Word Translation)
The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and deceitful compliments. Our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love. Kindness cannot be expressed to friends and family only. A Christian will not harbor anger against enemies. Christians bless rather than curse those despitefully use them or those who have had occasion to disagree. Blessing does not mean pray for the person and then curse them with actions or hurtful and hateful thoughts or words. It is impossible to both bless and curse. This can only be done in hypocrisy.
A very noticeable symptom of unkindness or lack of love is jealousy or competition. It is impossible to compete or be jealous if we love. These negative symptoms reveal a missing ingredient - a heart filled with love. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love - 1 John 4:8 (NIV)
If God resides in our lives it is impossible to not love everyone. God is either present or He is absent. It is impossible to have hidden places within our heart where we don't love some people. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:4-5) With God operating in us we will show the same mercy, love, and kindness. It doesn’t matter how others treat us today, treated us in the past, or wronged us. We are never justified in our actions of being rude, short, ugly, or unkind. We will show love and mercy and be kind if God is living within.
God, please dwell in my heart that I may show love and kindness to all!
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1 comment:
What a beautiful writing. If the world would follow your words, what a better place it would be.
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