Kindness and Forgiveness

Introduction: A kind spirit is only one of the flavors of the Holy Spirit. But it is a great tasting fruit nonetheless. I love it when someone genuinely shows a KIND spirit, especially when he or she has been wronged. That is both impressive and contagious.
 
Let’s do a word study:
 

1. Kindness (Eph 4:32)

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

The word “kind” is χρηστός,(khrase-tos’), which means useful, gentle, pleasant, kind.

The opposite of gentleness is harshness, bitterness, or rudeness. Have you noticed? A bitter person will speak or react harshly. Yet, the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of Kindness. Are you a kind person or a bitter person? Are you jealous? Envious of others? Mad at God? Resentful because of your circumstances? Feel cheated? Angry at the world? Throwing a pity party? Revengeful?

The word “tender hearted” is εὔσπλαγχνος, which means tender-hearted, merciful, compassionate. Admittedly, with so much injustice and bitterness in this world, it is tempting to feel uncompassionate. Do you show compassion? Jesus showed compassion on the multitudes. And at the same time, He rebuked the Pharisees and others in the religious crowd because of their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. They felt that they were alittle “better” (superior – 1 up!) than others.

But listen. Praise His name because He imparts to us His compassion through the power of His Holy Spirit! If He did not, we would not have compassion. It is not in our nature. That is where the transforming GRACE of God changes us.

2. Forgiveness (Eph 4:32)
 
The word “forgive” is χαρίζομαι, which means to show favor to, to pardon, forgive, to show kindness.

Forgiving is like releasing a debt. When you are “born again,” Jesus Christ releases the payment (wages Rom 6:23) for sin. This is possible all because Jesus poured out His life’s blood to pay for our sins. As we trust in His sacrificial death and resurrection God the Father releases the debt we owe, which must be paid (either by Jesus or in the lake of fire).

Did you notice “kindness and forgiveness seem to be related?

Conclusion: Where do you need to show kindness and forgiveness? Why not thank God for His kindness and forgiveness? Perhaps then, we can offer kindness and forgiveness.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese