But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7
This passage is the Gospel in a nutshell and puts “kindness” in a whole different category than the “Be Kind” tshirts or pretty banners on Instagram that we’re familiar with.
The Kindness of God saved us, is from a heart of mercy and love, and pours out grace that is always maintained by Jesus.
The Kindness of God
It’s an incredible thought to consider the Father of mercies sent His Son, our Savior, to walk in human flesh that He would bring us LIFE in Him!
THAT is the Kindness of God.
Though we were His enemy, He came after me and you. He sacrificed His Son for us so that we could be with Him forever and He relentlessly pursues us every moment of every single day.
God’s kindness is like an explosive volcano compared to the trickling drops of what the world considers as kindness.
As we grow to savor and understand what kindness from God is and we learn to wrap ourselves up in it each day and live from what we’ve received, that’s when we see real kindness set ablaze around us!
Kindness of God Verses
Or consider this passage on God’s kindness:
“He (God) is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8 NLT
I love this: He showered his kindness on us. Also known as God’s grace.
Through God’s unmerited favor and kindness, He gave the gift of salvation. There was no effort or act of service or merit on our part that had any influence over this. We can’t earn it, nor do we deserve it. Our only way to receive this loving favor is through faith in Christ Jesus.
God’s Word shows us repeatedly how much more kindness is than how we’ve watered it down in our society. It truly is a matter of life and death. Without the kindness of God, we would be headed for destruction, be in permanent bondage to sin, and never know the unfailing, unconditional love of God.
The kindness of God gives us forgiveness, hope, and freedom. All of this is gifted to us, undeserving sinners, from a good and KIND God.
What do we do with the kindness of God?
The Kindness of God Leads to Repentance
God’s Kindness leads to repentance.
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 ESV
I mentioned earlier the beauty of being showered by His kindness and it’s easy to consider an endless rain that He pours upon us. If He showered us with His kindness as His enemies, how much more will He shower us as His sons and daughters!?
I love Tony Evan’s point on being ambassadors of God’s kindness to others!
This verse in Romans references the riches of his kindness is meant to lead us to repentance. To motivate and inspire us to turn from sin because of what He continually pours out.
Father, help us to know and be overwhelmed by your kindness that we may repent from any sin that is a hindrance to our relationship with you.
Related: For Your Sake
The Goodness and Kindness of God
Here’s the amazing truth of God’s goodness and kindness. He has every right to leave us in our sin and captivity. We deserve to be left in the consequences and wrath of our sin yet God…
Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:24 NLT
What glorious news!
He declares us righteous. Approved. Forgiven. Fully and completely covered by the blood of Jesus through faith in Jesus Christ!
It is through God’s loving kindness that He did not leave us dead and lost in our sins. Instead, He sent His Son Jesus to live the perfect life we could never live, to die in our place as our substitute and sacrifice for our sins. He did this willingly.
He willingly offered his sinless life and took on the wrath of God for you and me so that we would be saved!
We praise you, Jesus!
No other kindness compares to the goodness and kindness of God.
Living God’s Kindness
We now live in the privilege of being rescued!
We’ve been given the Holy Spirit as the loving guarantee of His kindness. As mentioned earlier in Titus, our faith in Jesus Christ gives us a new life that is guided and directed by His Spirit within us to extend to others what we have received from Him.
This new life is meant to live with purpose and to be shared with those placed around us.
When we walk out this new life in Christ, He produces such fruit as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal. 5:22)
The only way for the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us is by continually recognizing who He is, and what He’s done for us, and surrendering ourselves to Him in gratitude. We live in humility for the graciousness and kindness that we have received from God.
This kindness never leaves us. Jesus maintains it and gives grace every time we fail.
The Kindness of God
Nothing compares to the kindness of God.
We give mercy to others because we received mercy from Him. When we try to muster anything in our strength, it falls eternally short of the riches He provides us.
I hope today God gives a powerful glimpse of the showers of kindness and riches of His kindness that He’s poured upon you. Those you encounter today need to be shown what true kindness is!
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT
Father, help us know and to daily make your kindness known to others.