GodReflection: Power Words

So I say, walk by the Spirit—the fruit of the Spirit is kindness—since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5

This morning I watched a story that will most likely go viral from a local television station.

Little six-year old Claire Sullivan is at the Fire Station as she receives a life saving award from one of the Firemen.

Last month she found her ‘Mimi’ unconscious and quickly dialed 911.

After the exchange of pertinent information and the assurance help is on the way, little Claire asks her timid question.

It’s the exact same question the disciples asked Jesus.

“When the people come to take care of my Mimi, can one of them stay with me so I won’t be alone?”

Full of kindness the woman at the 911 switchboard provides reassurance. “Yes ma’am. They’re gonna stay with you honey. They’re not gonna leave you alone.”

While in Palestine, Jesus could not be everywhere at once. He spent a lot of his time in the presence of his disciples.

When they heard the announcement of his departure, Jesus heard their unspoken question, “Can you stay so we won’t be alone?”

From the kindness of the one who understands comes reassurance.

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. . . .  You know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; on that day, you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

Here is what I think.

Jesus was kind. Kindness was part of the reason people wanted to be in his presence.

Jesus’ walk on earth was the embodiment of kindness. He offered cool water. He spoke kindly to women. He was kind to children. He was kind to his disciples. He showed extraordinary kindness to his mother.

When Scripture says the boy Jesus grew in favor with God and man, it is saying people liked Jesus. Jesus treated people like God wants me to treat others.

Jesus came to show me the God who wanted His people “to have the understanding to know that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

To be like God is to be kind. Kindness is God’s nature.

Paul tells the members of the Ephesians church that God’s kindness flowed from His grace to express to us that very kindness through the life and gift of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, if the kind Jesus lives in my body, mind, and soul, as the Holy Spirit, I want to take care not to block the very kindness of his nature that he so wants others to see.

As we begin anew, will you join me to allow the power of Jesus’ kindness to flow to others from within our own bodies as we walk through life?

“Yes the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are with you. They’re gonna stay with you. They’re not gonna leave you alone.”

Stay tuned.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells – A GodReflection on Kindness as a Word of Power.

Gary@GodReflection.org