Now kindness is a quality that doesn't come by that often these days. I think people would rather walk around mean mugging or with a so called"resting b*** face" to seem cool, than to walk around with a smile and seem kind-hearted. We walk around with a fence up so that we're not vulnerable.
Walking around in kindness will make you approachable for people who under other circumstances would'nt have approached you. Is'nt that what we want as Christians? To Ruth, her kindness led her to her husband, and I believe God is going to connect you to the right people because of your kind heart.
When I was reading the book of Ruth it caught my attention how kind Boaz was to Ruth. It made me realise a few things about kindness.
Your kindness will speak for you
Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. "What have I done to deserve such kindness?" she asked. "I am only a foreigner". "Yes, I know," Boaz replied. "But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers."
-Ruth 2:10-11 NLT
Because Boaz heared of all the good things Ruth has done for Naomi, he was kind to her. This reminds me of meeting a friend of a friend and you have heard only good about them so without them doing anything specific, you extend your kindness to them. Why? Because you heard good things about them.
And it works the other way around. Let me hear you're messing with my friend or my family and I will be cold as ice to you the very second i meet you. Why is that so? Kindness speaks FOR you and it will cause more kindness to come your way. Not only from the person you've been kind to, but from others also.
A man who is kind benifits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
-Proverbs 11:17
There is another story in the bible were kindness spoke on someones behalf. The story of Tabitha in the Book of Acts. I love the story not only because Tabitha is my middle name but because of how her good deeds spoke for her when she could'nt speak fo herself. It's like they followed her to her grave. Tabitha was so kind to people that when she died everyone she helped cried out loud holding up the clothes she sowed for them. The people arranged to get Peter to pray over her that she may come to life again- and she did. Tabitha was raised up again because of her kindness towards others.
There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha ( wich in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.
-Acts of Apostles 9:36 NLT
Your kindness attracts blessings
"May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done."
-Ruth 2:12 NLT
Yes, I know. Looking at the story it was Boaz who was being kind to Ruth. But looking at the bigger picture, it was actualy God who rewarded her. God uses people as instruments to bless us, but people are not the ones to reward us. Kindness will not necessarily bring us back kindness from people, but let that not discourage us but know that God rewards us for all the kind things we do for others.
Your kindness may comfort someone
"I hope I continue to please you, sir", she replied. "You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers."
-Ruth 2:13 NLT
We sometimes don't even know what the person opposite from us is going through. Being kind doesn't cost us a thing. It may comfort someone or encourage them. There were many times, people were kind to me and they didn't even know what it meant to me. I remember when a girl at work just told me out of nowhere that I have a kind and beautiful heart and it shows in my face. This touched and blessed me so much and I am never going to forget her words because they encouraged me to keep workimg on this Blog and reassured me that God actualy did want to do something through me.
Being kind is still important because it reflects the character of Jesus. It is one of many fruits of the Holy Spirit and I believe that especially women carry it. Let us be kind to others to see more of God's kindness.
Amen.
Post a Comment