Virtue: Kindness
Scripture: Luke 18:35-19:10
On His way toward Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Jericho. In Jericho, He had two encounters that have been given to us here in Luke. In these two encounters, we see Jesus express the kindness of God.
The blind beggar finds himself in need, and, aware of his need, he calls out to Jesus for mercy. Zacchaeus, likewise, aware of his need, seeks out Jesus by climbing a tree to just get a glimpse. In both instances, Jesus responds to their need with kindness. He calls to both of them. He is aware of each of their needs. To one He gives healing, to the other He gives salvation.
The kindness of God is revealed in these actions. Both of these people had been dismissed by the religiously important. But, both were seen as valuable by Jesus. Their needs were provided for, and they are brought into relationship with Jesus through the kind actions of Jesus.
Kindness starts by seeing each person’s value in God’s eyes. It sees God’s image within them. Kindness acknowledges who the other person is in God’s eyes. For each Christian, kindness seeks to care for the person at the intersection of their needs and God’s leading, through the Christian’s availability. Jesus was headed toward Jerusalem, but was not unavailable to the needs of these two that He encountered along the way.
Questions:
1. What do you think it would look like to live life being ‘available’ to God’s leading when others’ needs are encountered?
2. When was the last time you set aside your plans to exemplify God’s kindness to another?
3. Who might you encounter on a regular basis that needs God’s kindness through you?
Action:
Remember, a virtue is not something we can just will ourselves into. It is the excellence of God on display in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Invite the Holy Spirit to help you through this action, and join with other believers to do this action with:
Ask each person in your family, your home group, or the person/people you thought of answering question 3 this question:
What can I do for you today?
Then, do it. Practice kindness through service opportunities on your own or as a family together. Be available to be used by God.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your kindness to me. Thank you for caring for my needs. You have provided all that I have: salvation, provision, transformation, and so much more. Thank you for your availability.
Amen
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