GOD IS KIND

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. . . so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7

In the trilogy, Lord of the Rings, many characters stand out for their selfless deeds. But none so much as Samwise Gamgee, the humble and loyal Hobbit who follows Frodo into danger and certain death, helping his friend carry the heavy burden of the One Ring and accomplish his mission of destroying it. As they near the end of their journey, Samwise goes without water so that Frodo will have enough. And as Samwise lay sleeplessly one night, he says to himself, “I’ll get there, if I leave everything but my bones behind. And I’ll carry Mr. Frodo up myself, if it breaks my back and heart.” And that’s precisely what Samwise did, carrying Frodo when he had no more strength to walk. Samwise was a genuinely kind and selfless friend. 

The same is true of God and his relationship with us. God’s love for us is kind. When we talk about God’s kindness, we’re referring to his benevolent concern for those he loves. What’s so amazing about his kindness is that it’s freely given, not earned or deserved. In fact, the Bible teaches us that God shows his loving-kindness to those who don’t deserve it! God set his loving-kindness upon Israel, though they were insignificant among the nations (Deuteronomy 7:7–8). He then led the Israelites with loving-kindness, despite their consistent unfaithfulness (Hosea 11:4). And because of his loving-kindness, while we were still sinners, he died for us (Romans 5:8). Because God loves us, he gives of himself, not for what he can gain, but for what we gain. 

Despite our sin and unfaithfulness, God sent his Son to die for us so that we could be reconciled to him—so that we could have a relationship with this great and good God. We have done nothing to deserve this, but out of the overflow of his kindness, we have become the recipients of his grace. And for all eternity, the immeasurable riches of God’s grace will be on full display for us to marvel at as we bask in his benevolent kindness toward us. 

Because God is kind, we have an eternity of blessings to anticipate.

Reflect

1. Romans 2:4 says that “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.” During this week, has God revealed anything in your life that you need to repent of? How does God’s kindness help you to repent and trust in him? 
2. Does selfless kindness characterize your relationships? What would it look like for you to be kind in your relationships? How does the revelation of God’s kindness to us help you to express that kindness in your relationships with others?

Pray

. . . so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7

Lord, your loving-kindness has drawn me to you, to repentance, and into your promise of blessing. I have done nothing to deserve your kindness. But in Christ, you freely give me all that I need spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, and more. Your kindness brings joy to my heart in every season. Thank you for your eternal grace. As you open my eyes to your kindness in my life, help me to show that kindness to others around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.