Kindness: Some Finishing Thoughts

"But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." -2 Corinthians 8:7-12

I just wanted to clarify a point or two about showing kindness. We are not expected to just wake up one day and be the most kind person that anyone has ever met. No, it will take much time and practice to become others-focused enough to show kindness on such a level. Now, you might have a good day, when you are constantly watching for and being mindful of opportunities to show kindness, but in general it is not expected that this is something you will catch on to right away.
Just like any other fruit of the Spirit, kindness has to grow in our lives. Kindness has to be cultivated and nurtured as it ripens, until it is fully grown. It is the same with loving others, loving God, being patient, having joy, having peace... understand that these things will take time.

Now, looking at what Paul has said in 2 Corinthians... "But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." Begin with the desire for change! When desire is born in your heart, which may take some time and will probably take a lot of prayer, you must take that next step in "finishing it." Work towards the goal and standard that has been set, but do not lose hope if you stumble... look at the second part of what he says. "For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have."

Christ does not demand more of us than we are able to give, but He is patient and will give us the strength to persevere. He will meet us where we are at, but we must be willing to move forward. That is the readiness that Paul speaks of... the desire for change. The Holy Spirit will begin to move inside of us and will shift our focus, if we will only call out to God and honestly seek His will for our lives. In God alone do we find the ability to learn true love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... it is by Him alone that these things will ever be grown in our lives.

Do you desire change in your life? Are you as tired as I am of being unloving, or just being a jerk, without really knowing why we do so? I believe that it is simply that we try to be loving or kind by our own strength... when we know for a fact that we need the Holy Spirit. You are an acceptable offering according to what you have, not according to what you do not have! Come just as you are, but desire to be cleansed! Now is the time to get on our faces and ask God to make us new, to work on our lives in the ways that only He can!

Friends, do not be discouraged if you can't show kindness or generosity in a grandiose way, as you might wish to. But rather give of what you do have, possibly time, and know that it is acceptable to God as a pleasing sacrifice. Is your gift baking? You might bless someone more than you know by simply baking something and stopping by to check in on them! Showing that you care about someone... this is a great way to show kindness, and also the love of Christ. Are you skilled in repairing things? Perhaps there is a neighbor or a friend who needs a little help on a Saturday afternoon... acts of service are very effective ways to show kindness, and again they might supply an opportunity for sharing Christ with that person. Friends, these are just a couple of ideas out of a million as to how you can show kindness...

I hope this weeks study has spurred you on towards love and good deeds. That you might desire to show kindness, especially towards your own families! It must start at home! Otherwise we are kidding ourselves... if we think we are such kind people, but cannot be kind to our own family. Do not be found a hypocrite!

Friends, may the kindness of our Lord and Savior be with you! May you continue to grow in Him and may the fruit of the Spirit be manifested in your life! I look forward to starting "goodness" next week! Until then...

Grace and Peace!


Questions or Comments? E-mail me at afflquestions@yahoo.com .