Get the appBe Kind: Devotions for Developing the Heart God DesiresSample
You have been uniquely gifted and uniquely called by the Holy Spirit for something important. If you are a Christian, then the Holy Spirit lives within you. If the Holy Spirit lives within you, then you have a unique set of spiritual gifts for ministry. If you use those spiritual gifts, then you have to use them in a kind and loving way.
While we often hear this verse read at weddings, in its original context, it is about how we use spiritual gifts. It appears in the middle of three chapters that are all about spiritual gifts. This is why people often look confused when the reader at the wedding starts talking about “tongues of men and angels” and “resounding gongs.” It is vital that we use the gifts the Spirit has given us in a way that is patient and kind; not in a prideful way that is self-seeking. Show kindness because the Spirit of God is in you and expect to receive absolutely nothing in return.
Living out kindness as a fruit of the Spirit is going to take some patience. Prepare your heart for these acts of kindness to be met with indifference or even possibly hostility. Living out kindness is going to take sincere love in your heart for the people you seek to serve. Check your heart for any envy. Read your own past social media posts for boastfulness. Be on your guard for any arrogance that may come from your heart after you have shown kindness. Kindness must be genuine.
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About this Plan
What’s the difference between being nice and being kind? It’s easy to fake nice. You can look one way on the outside but feel another way on the inside. However, it’s hard to fake kindness. Kindness is selfless. Kindness is loving. Genuine kindness is costly. Being kind mimics Jesus. It reveals that His love has transformed us. Christlikeness is the goal of our faith, so we strive to be kind.
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We would like to thank Lifeway Students for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://studentministry.lifeway.com
