KINDNESS

But concerning the pure brotherly love that there should be among God’s people, I don’t need to say very much, I’m sure! For God himself is teaching you to love one another – 1 Thessalonians 4:9

Brotherly KINDNESS follows closely after Godliness! Why? What is the essence of our doctrine, exercise, and practice of godliness of it does not manifest in our kindness and goodness to fellow believers? Is godliness not mere form and no substance if it is of benefit only to us as individuals? We may seem to have become more ‘spiritual’ but what profit is our spiritually if it does not result in “pure religion” which is “this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (Jam.1:27). This verse combines the idea of brotherly kindness with that of godliness. Indeed, brotherly kindness must be the natural expression of godliness. Our holy preoccupation with God must necessarily translate to our loving benevolence to the children, people, and creatures of God. Patience may sometimes only involve how we relate to circumstances; godliness may be between us and God alone; but brotherly kindness always involves other people.

Kindness is the state or quality of being kind, considerate, humane, sympathetic or empathetic. It is the tendency to be kind and forgiving. It is marked by good and charitable behavior, pleasant disposition, and concern for others. It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and societies. Other words that are used in the Scriptures to describe this same quality of Christian Character are: brotherly love, goodness, and simply, kindness.

Brotherly Love: this is the badge of our discipleship. Our Master, Jesus Christ said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jh.13:35). Being children of the same Father, we should cultivate a warm and refreshing affection for one another, to the extent that those outside of the Family of God and Fold of Faith will be visibly attracted to us.

Goodness: is that burning desire to do good both to the body and soul of others, by devoting time, effort, and other resources to them. Goodness is the freedom from selfishness and self-centeredness, particularly when others are in need: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do GOOD to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal.6:10). James 4:17 puts it bluntly: “Therefore, to him who knows to do GOOD and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

Kindness: is that moral quality produced and enhanced by the Spirit of God in the believer that makes him full of good works and acts of benevolence and helps especially to those of the household of faith.

These are some of the obligations of believers to one another, our “One-another Ministry”:

• Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another (Rom.12:10)

• For you, brethren have been called to liberty, only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another (Gal.5:13).

• Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (Gal.6:2).

• And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you (Eph.4:32).

• Submitting to one another in the fear of God (Eph.5:21).

• Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do (Col.3:13).

• Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (Jam.5:16).

• Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous (1Pet.3:8).

The story of the merciful Samaritan shows that a neighbour is the friend, stranger or enemy who needs the help we can give (Lk.10:33-36). May we reflect the heart of the One who, while we were still His enemies, paid the ultimate price to rescue us!