THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: A CUP OF KINDNESS

Check out this phrase from the 1700s poem Auld Lang Syne: “take a cup of kindness yet.” The verses talk about old friends who met together over drinks and revive tales of younger days — much as several of my friends did this Christmas…

Gathered around a cozy coffee table, we shared stories old and new. The warmth that exuded, the smiles that exemplified kindness – infectious and unquenchable.

Though not the original author’s intent, the phrase from the poem reminded me of a wonderful Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness. Because the Bible is replete with illustrations of Jesus’ kindness, here’s one to think about.

Loving friends of a deaf and mostly-mute man brought him to Jesus (Mark 7:31-37). Maybe these friends had tried other sure-to-work modalities. Either way, they were not above begging Jesus to heal their beloved friend.

As usual, a crowd surrounded Jesus. In His humility, compassion, and kindness, Jesus took the man aside and healed him. But there’s more to the story.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17, NKJV). For this man to be healed for all eternity, he needed to hear Jesus’ words.

Then, Jesus loosed the man’s tongue by applying spit and praying. Now, I’m not sure about you but if my doctor spit into his hand and told me to open wide, I’d be out of that exam room as fast as my legs could carry me. But this is Jesus we’re talking about! He never fails!

The amazed crowd praised Him saying, “He even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” So, why their surprise? After all, this wasn’t the first time Jesus demonstrated His healing power and kindness. Maybe because, like us, it’s easy to disregard or ignore or feel uncomfortable around those with disabilities or those we don’t understand.

Perhaps it’s time to return to What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)? This phrase that originated with a sermon series in the 1890s, became a 1990s craze. And still stands true. There’s no doubt Jesus showed kindness in His thoughts, words, and actions.

In a world obsessed with “me,” supermodel waistlines and inflated egos and a blind eye toward those who are hurting, alone, and in need, let’s be different. Let’s open our hearts and offer a cup of kindness, just as Jesus would do.

The Bible says “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34, NKJ).

By eMarie

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Sherry Shindelar
Sherry Shindelar
2 years ago

Thank you for the encouragement and challenge. A little effort, like a kind word or act, on our parts can make a difference in someone’s life.

Valerie Cullers
2 years ago

Such a good word! Thank you!

Roberta Kautz
2 years ago

Good, good reminder for all of us. Thank you, dear friend!

Judy Chatfield
Judy Chatfield
2 years ago

So timely and true. Kindness, a fruit of the Spirit!

Kathy McKinsey
2 years ago

No way, Dave. Jesus was too kind to do that.:) thank God for his kindness.

Becky Van Vleet
2 years ago

Oh, that cup of kindness is desperately needed these days. Just think what our world would be like if everyone was kind to one another.

Deena Adams
Deena Adams
2 years ago

Amen! A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

Don
Don
2 years ago

A smile can kindle a spark. A heart that can be humble and kind. A voice that can lead us, and ears that will listen

Dave
Dave
2 years ago

I think the spit had WD-40 in it.

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