THE MOST EXCELLENT WAY- PART II
“LOVE IS KIND”
I Corinthians 13:1-13
Introduction:
There
is a World War II story that shows how the smallest deed can make all the
difference. During the last months of the War, the British conducted daily
bombing raids over Berlin. One night the bombers were attacked by a large group
of German fighter planes. During the dogfight one of the Bomber Planes got
separated from the protection of British Fighter Planes. They watched
helplessly as a German Fighter Plane came within range. Bullets whizzed by over
and over until five bullets slammed into the fuselage of the bomber near the
gas tank.
The
crew braced for the explosion, but it never came. Fuel poured from the bullet
holes, but there was no explosion. After landing, a mechanic handed the pilot 5
bullets he had pulled from the plane. The pilot carefully opened the shells.
They were empty --- except for a tiny wad of paper with a note that read:
"We are Polish Prisoners of War forced to make bullets. When guards do not
look, we do not fill with powder. Is not much, but is the best we can do."
In
a world where people kill each other to gain supremacy and control five tiny
bullets, made by a few weak and lowly prisoners, a small act of kindness ...
but for the Crew of that British Bomber it made all the difference.[1]
We have been on a journey to discover the most excellent way based on Steve Macchia’s
book “Broken & Whole, where Macchia worked out various aspects of love in I
Corinthians 13. Last week we looked at love being patient with God, ourselves
and others. Today we will look at love being kind.
THE
BACKGROUND:
The
context, of the Apostle Paul writing the letter to the Church in Corinth was a
report sent by the household of Chloe. (I Cor1:11).That report included certain
misconducts in the church such as: divisions, gross immorality, and law suits
between Christians in front of unbelievers, practical problems in living the
Christian life, and marriage problems. There was also confusion about certain rituals
of worship, and food offered to the idols.
Reading
such a discouraging report must have broken Paul’s heart. Since, he planted
that church he was concerned about their way of living. It was certainly not the
way that God would have them live. Paul wanted to show them, the most excellent
way. He showed them the importance of being patient with one another and
bearing one another’s misbehaviors. In the church in Corinth many issues were
not appropriately addressed due to lack of kindness. Let’s explore what
kindness is, the basis of kindness, the benefits and how we can cultivate
kindness.
I.
WHAT IS KINDNESS?
Kindness
is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Synonyms: kindliness,
kindheartedness, warm-heartedness, affection, warmth, gentleness, concern, care
etc.
Steve Macchia notes, “To be kind is
to exhibit a grace toward another, and even to oneself that exudes both warmth
and protection. To do so is to offer an embrace of loving-kindness and
fortification against any attack that would seek to destroy love among others. Kindness
is soft and bold, merciful and strong, compassionate and courageous.”[2]
In a world where there is so much of rudeness, harshness and cursing it is
refreshing to find people who are loving, and kind.
Kindness
and patience are some of the moral attributes of God. When God created us in
his image we too were endowed with these attributes, but due to sin we have
lost them. But we can rediscover and cultivate them so that once again we can
reflect these beautiful attributes of God in our lives. That will happen when
we begin to live the most excellent way. Apostle Paul paves the way by saying, “Love
is patient, love is kind.” Though we are looking at them separately they go
together hand in hand. We see Paul using the same combination four other times:
Romans 2:4, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness,
forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead
you to repentance?
Paul
talking about his hardships notes, “as servants of God we commend ourselves in
every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses…”In
purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere
love.” II Cor 6:6. He encourages Colossians to put on the spiritual clothing, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy
and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience.” Col 3:12 In Gal 5:22, he attributes patience and kindness to the
fruit of the Holy Spirit.
I would like to visualize Patience
and kindness as the two links that hold a necklace together. In Proverbs 3:3,
we read a father’s advice to his son, “Let love and faithfulness never leave
you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” This
passage encourages us to put on a neckless of love and faithfulness. But what
holds this neckless in place? The two links called, “Patience & Kindness.”
What is the Biblical basis of kindness?
II. BIBLICAL BASIS OF KINDNES:
Kindness is one of the moral
attributes of God. Consider the following scriptures that display the kindness
of God. “He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing
kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.” 2 Samuel 22:51
Isaiah 54:8, “In a surge of anger I
hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have
compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer.” Jeremiah 9:24“But let the one who boasts
boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the
Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these
I delight,” declares the Lord.”
Let’s ponder on this scripture. This
scripture explains by nature our God is kind, just and righteous, not only that,
he delights in kindness, justice and righteousness. If you want to make God
happy, then act kindly, fight for justice and live a right life before Him. God
does not want your money, and not even your sacrifices all He requires of you
are just three things. “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the
Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly
with your God? Micah 6:8
Can you imagine what that would look
like in a world where there is so much of intimidation, bullying and
unkindness, if everyone who knows God loves kindness and become the dispensers
of kindness? We will have a loving and kind world. It would be good for
everyone. I remember working at Father Bill’s where some of my colleagues put
on a tough exterior and often answered guests with a harsh and intimidating
tone. I realized that they didn’t need another intimidating person, so to the
best of my ability I tried to be pleasant and kind.
The Apostle Paul first hand experienced the
kindness of God. Though he was persecuting the Church Jesus reached out to him
in kindness on the Road of Damascus. Later on Paul encourages believers to be
kind to others as they were shown kindness. Ephesians, 4:32, “Be kind and
compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God
forgave you. This is the great irony among many Christians.
We forget the fact that once we were
miserable sinners yet shown kindness and have been forgiven. Yet we become
unkind and unforgiving to others.
III. CULTIVATING KINDNESS.
The wise King Solomon shares about
the benefits of kindness. Prov11:27, “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but
the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” Prov 14:21“It is a sin to despise one’s
neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Prov 19:17, “Whoever
is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they
have done. Prov 11:16, “A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain
only wealth.” In Thes 5:15 we read, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for
wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone
else.”
Some times our words can get us into
trouble. Recently, the president of the Philippines made an obscene comment on
our President, Barak Obama which costed him millions of dollars in stocks.
President Obama did not react instead responded kindly. Listen to his response,
“Obama said earlier Monday that he had been told of Duterte's obscene comment,
but he shrugged it off as another in a line of "colorful statements"
from Duterte. "Clearly, he's a colorful guy," Obama called the
Philippines a close "friend and ally" of the United States.”[3]
Our human nature is to pay back,
evil with evil. That is a low road to walk on. But we Christians are to be
different, we are called to take a higher path, and live the most excellent
way. In Prov 12:25, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it
up.”
This world needs more people who can
bring cheer through their kindness and by God’s grace we can be the ones who
through our kind words lift those who are anxious and heavy hearted. If you
have it in your heart to be kind, you can show kindness through many practical
ways, for example: make a phone call or visit someone who is sick. Make a care
package to your friend or neighbor who may have been laid off. Be friendly to
foreigners who may be different than you and speak kindly with them. Help mow
the lawn or shovel the drive way of your elderly neighbors, offer a ride to a
shop, invite them to your cookout etc. These are just a few ways.
Within the body of Christ, kindness
is best exhibited in healthy relationships. Therefore, the gifts that accompany
hospitality go a long way toward the cultivation of hearts and lives that offer
and receive a genuine and welcoming spirit of inclusion. When we create such an
atmosphere, we discover the joy of spiritual friendship that provokes kindness
and goodness within us and in our relationships.
The only way kindness can be
restored is through the love of God, specifically the kind love of God. As we
are committed to live the most excellent way, I want us to reflect on the
significance of spiritual friendship and the implications for developing godly
community as it relates to our need for the kindness of God. In conclusion, a few
questions to consider. How is God’s loving-kindness residing deep within your
heart and soul even today? How could you receive and/or express loving-kindness
proactively to one of your friends or neighbors today? How can you exhibit
God’s loving-kindness toward all who cross your path today? Amen
