Honey From The Rock

www.poeministries.org

Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

TO KINDLE THE CANDLE OF KINDNESS

This entry was posted on 04-25-2008 and is filed under uncategorized.

The fifth fruit of the Spirit Paul mentions in Gal. 5: 22 is "kindness." How we need kindness in our homes, schools, places of work, in Congress, and especially in the church! The following is excerpted from a sermon I preached at the North American Christian Convention in Kansas City, Mo., July 3, 1997.

The finest example in the O.T. of how to treat each other in the family of God is the story of Joseph. Joseph spoke kindly to his brothers in spite of what they had done to him (Gen. 50:19,20). Kindness is the key. One of the first scriptures I learned in Sunday School was, "And be ye kind to one another" (Eph. 4:32). The Bible says, "The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone" (2 Tim. 2:24). Like the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, may the "law of kindness" be on our lips.

Some years ago Glen Campbell made this song popular: Let me be a little kinder, let me be a little blinder, to the faults of those around me, let me praise a little more. Let me be a little meeker with the brother who is weaker, think a little more of others, and a little less of me. George H. W. Bush said he wanted a kinder, gentler America. I want a kinder, gentler, more pleasant, more gracious, mild-tempered and civil-tongued brotherhood. How dare I speak unkindly of a brother for whom Christ died! Miriam murmured against Moses and God smote her with leprosy. If God struck us with leprosy every time we spoke against one of His servants we would stand as a colony of convicted critics and sing with one voice, "Whiter than Snow!"

The secret of Joseph's spirit of kindness is discovered in a statement made by the Pharaoh of Egypt himself. "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?" (Gen. 41:38). When you live by the Spirit of God, even pagans will notice the difference. There is no excuse for unkindness in the family of God. "Make every effort to ad to your faith...brotherly kindness" (2 Pet. 1:5, 6).

Prayer: Father of light, kindle within us the candle of kindness that we might show forth the fruit of the Spirit, kindness. Through Christ we pray.