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Day 42: Kindness and friendship

Kindness means we have a sincere desire for goodwill towards others. It is showing tenderness to them, borne out of concern for their welfare. The Bible says that God is kind: “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 36:7).” It says that “Love is patient and kind (1 Cor. 13:4).” Kindness is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Gal. 5:22).

These proverbs teach us that kindness also benefits the one who shows it, whereas nothing is gained by cruelty (Prov. 11:17). Kindness helps to win over those who are cynical or untrusting; it helps to soften hostilities. Kindness is a characteristic that we are to desire and pursue. In doing so, we find life (Prov. 21:21). Christians are to show kindness even to their enemies. Jesus said: “love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil (Luke 6:35).”

Like kindness, friendship is a gift from God. True friends show love through thick and thin, and it is often at the moment of adversity that a brother steps up to help (Prov. 17:17). The friendship between David and Jonathan went from strength to strength. God was at its centre: “And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God (1 Samuel 23:16).” May the Lord make us such loyal friends of others! In contrast, if we do not respond to the needs of the poor, then in our time of need we may find ourselves unheard (Prov. 21:13).

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

– Prov. 11:17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

– Prov. 17:17

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

– Prov. 18:24

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

– Prov. 21:13

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honour.

– Prov. 21:21

Gracious God, without Your kindness shown to us in sending Your Son to atone for our sins, then we would be under condemnation.

But if we have tasted of Your grace and experienced Your kindness in many ways, then let us show kindness to others.

We pray to be like Timothy who was genuinely concerned for the welfare of the believers at Philippi. True kindness cannot be faked. It comes from knowing You.

So too, let our friendship be deep and sincere, genuinely seeking the welfare of others, especially the lowly.

Jesus, we look to You and thank You with all our hearts for Your kindness to sinners such as us.

Amen.

– Graham Barnes