What Kind is Kindness?

Hello to Thursday... what the heck is that about? Hello to Thursday? Man, I'm weird. Who says that? OK, well, I'm back for another Quiet Time. And boy, do I need it. Have you ever felt your heart just want to rebel? I get that feeling all the time. I normally don't act on it, by simply talking some sense into me. But then there are those times that I just do rebel. My attitude becomes mean and I just am not a pleasant person. Not so great. I try to keep that part of my sinful nature at bay, and I don't become a jerk as often as I used to... but then there are those times.
I guess it is a good thing that I am looking at KINDNESS today. I have basic knowledge of kindness, but when it comes to the Bible, everything seems to be so much deeper than "basic knowledge". And that is always a good thing. It is always a convicting thing. So... without further "ado", let's dig!
What is kindness?

Kindness (noun):

• The quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic.
• Tendency to be kind and forgiving.
• An instance of kind behavior.

That's the dictionary definition. I guess it would be good to have some scripture.

Exodus 1:15-21

The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, "When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live." The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?"

The midwives answered Pharaoh, "Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive."

So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

2nd Chronicles 10:6-8

Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. "How would you advise me to answer these people?" he asked. They replied, "If you will be kind to these people and please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants." But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.

Proverbs 11:15-18

He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe. A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

Proverbs 12:25-26

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 14:20-22

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

Proverbs 14:30-32

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

1st Corinthians 13:4

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Luke 6:27-36

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

OK... so those are examples in scripture. God is kind and love is kind. The Lord is kind to the wicked and ungrateful. I am commanded to be kind to the needy. Kindness gains respect. Kindness also cheers others up. Lastly, kindness encourages others. Now, what does the Greek and Hebrew definition?

Kind: Chresteuomai (Pronounced: khraste-yoo'-om-ahee):

• To show one's self mild, to be kind, use kindness.

Kind: Chrestos (Pronounced: khrase-tos'):

• Fit, fit for use, useful.
• Virtuous, good.
• Manageable.
• Mild, pleasant (as opp. to harsh, hard sharp, bitter).
• Of things: more pleasant, of people, kind, benevolent.

I wasn't able to find the Old Testament information. But kindness and honor where exchangable in one passage. So, being kind is showing honor. It is respectful. It is good and it is a quality of God. Johnny Out.

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