Love is kind.....

It is always interesting to me to look up some of the original words of the Bible.....meaning the original language.....and then discover what, exactly, that word means. So, I looked the word kind up. It was originally the Greek word chresteuomai (khraste-yoo'-om-ahee). My fancy computer Study Bible defines this word as meaning to show oneself useful or to act benevolently. Now, I don't know about you, but I've heard the word benevolent, but I didn't really know what it meant. So, I used the wonderful tool available these days called the internet and looked up "benevolently" on an online dictionary. Its meaning? A desire to help others without expecting or receiving any profit from the act.

I have a friend who did something that I think shows kindness at its best. Not too far from my house, right by the highway, you can often find people holding up signs asking for financial help. I talked to one guy who said he had recently lost his job and had a wife, two children, and one grandchild at home. He was having a hard time finding a job and was desperate to find ways to support his family. Well, my friend, one day, after work, drove to a gas station near the highway, bought a soda and a sandwich and took it to one of the guys that happened to be sitting out in the middle of the road. He said it was something he had always wanted to do, and decided to just go do it. Well, he sat and listened to the man's story of life and where he was headed too. After talking for over an hour, my friend wished the man luck. The man thanked him for listening to his story and giving him something to eat. Now to me, that's the perfect example of kindness. There was no way this man could repay my friend for what he did, but that wasn't the reason my friend went out there. It was simply to do something for someone because that's what love is--kindness that reaches out no matter what the return might be. The kindness that describes love here is not something that has been earned. It is not based on previous encounters of kindness. It is not changed because of the past experiences--whether they be good or negative. Love in action is kindness whether or not the recipient deserves it. Another perfect example of kindness is God's love played out as Christ died on the cross for our sins. The Bible says that Christ died for us while we sinners. To be a sinner means to be doing the opposite of what God has called us to do. So, while we were biting our thumb at God and not listening to Him, He continued on to provide a way for us to be able to spend all eternity with Him. That opportunity is available to all of us as a gift. All we must do is accept that gift! Amazing!

Putting It Into Practice: This week, do something kind for someone just because. Don't expect a thank you or anything in return. Remember, love is kindness lived out without the expectation of any gain in return. Love in kindness just as Christ loved us!