The Law of Kindness
Proverbs 31:26 – She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
There is a law of kindness! The bible tells us that in the mouth of the virtuous woman there was wisdom and that she kept the law of kindness in her tongue (Proverbs 31:26). How much more today should we as believers of Christ ensure that this law is maintained in our lips when we speak to others and in our hearts as we conduct ourselves in life? The saying goes in society that what goes around comes around…the bible similarly teaches us that we reap what we sow. The virtuous woman knew this law that as kindness was released from her mouth into the ears and lives of others that it would not only give life but that it would also come back around to her again. We know this because the Lord told us that ‘He, who is merciful unto others, shall obtain mercy’ (scripture).
In the bible we see reoccurring examples of people who did kind deeds (both to beloved and strangers) received back onto themselves some form of kindness. This is shown in the story of Rahab who showed kindness to the Israeli spies, by hiding them and giving them shelter, who later received salvation not only for herself but also for her house as well; also the story of Ruth who through humility of service and kindness to Naomi, was later blessed by God to find a respected house in Judah and man of God for a husband, and in lineage of Christ.
One more time we see this kindness illustrated in the story of King David and Jonathan. Jonathan was kind to David through his difficult years, this kindness later caused kindness to be extended onto his son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1). Throughout scripture, we see that kindness was repaid with kindness. Sometimes the reward of the kindness showed, was not directly returned to the person who showed the initial act of service, but was later passed on to the generations after them – I believe in leaving a legacy (Proverbs 13:22) and placing God’s favour on the generations after me through the life that I live and the promise of blessing that God will give for my acts and labours of love.
Kindness is one of the characteristics of God, and therefore one that as His children should reflect also. I admit that to be kind today, let alone being consistently kind is challenging within a culture where it is not the norm, and where many are out to protect and look after themselves. When kindness isn’t reciprocated, eventually it become easy to disheartened and discouraged with the mind to become like the rest. However, Christ said that even when we are cursed by our enemies, or despitefully used, that we are still to bless, still to be a blessing (Matthew 5:44). We are encouraged by scripture to continue to do good and to not grow weary in well doing.
When it feels pointless to continue going against the grain of society, let us consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in our minds (Hebrews 12:3). Let us make the decision to press forward and grow in kindness, knowing that as we grow in kindness, we grow in Love. Kindness is one of the measures of Love – Peter told us to add to our faith and grow in brotherly kindness (2 Peter 1:7). As we do this we edge closer to becoming love and a clearer reflection of Jesus Christ to the world. Let us grow in love, let us grow in kindness.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that you would enlarge my heart. That I would grow in love and kindness to those around me. Give me a heart to bless others even when others curse me or cause offence.
Give me the grace to extend mercy to others as I have received mercy from you. Help me to be more like you Lord Jesus, to be persistent in kindness, to love others even when it hurts.
I love you Lord.
Amen
Contributor: Marius Tabois