1 Corinthians 13:4b
~3 min read
“…He meant to love them in action…”
Charity is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4b)
To be kind is to be gracious. It does not mean to have some kind thoughts, or gracious feelings, or nice sentiments, but to be kind in action. When Jesus commanded us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:40-41), He meant to love them in action, And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
How and where does this love begin?
The first place we should begin showing kindness is in the home. The husband and wife must be kind to each other and the children, and the children must be kind to one another and to their parents. It is more than just having kind feelings toward one another; they must do kind things for one another, to the point of self-sacrifice, when necessary.
Then this kindness must be extended to the church, the covenant family. The church is the place where the believers show kindness with their words to encourage and edify, not words to discourage and break-down. The believers show kindness with prayers by interceding and giving thanks for answered prayers. The believers show kindness by their actions by serving one another.
From the family, to the church, this love of kindness is subsequently exercised everywhere the believers go to - the workplace, school and amongst friends. They are willing to help those in need whether spiritually, physically, emotionally or financially. Their kindness always points the people to God and never to themselves.
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