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 What is kindness?

“Of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person… having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence”

 I looked up the definition of benevolence and found…”The desire to do good to others, goodwill, charitableness.”  Kindness or the root word, kind, stems from an attitude that longs to serve someone else out of the goodness of one’s heart.

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 What does the Bible say about kindness?

 “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22

I am thankful that the Lord’s kindness never fails. He longs to give us exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Kindness is also among the fruits of the spirit that as believers we are to bear *which is not always my first response* but praise the Lord for grace & forgiveness!

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How can we show others kindness like the Lord shows us?

One of my favorite people in the bible is Esther. She used her beauty and the position she was placed in to glorify the Lord and take care of His people. She exhibited kindness by approaching the king on behalf of her people to try and protect them rather than sitting back and being selfish. (You can read more of the story here.)

Kindness is being the first to speak to someone, to notice them and be friendly.

When I think of someone who exudes kindness I think of my dad. He is one of the most servant-hearted, selfless people I know. He made me breakfast every morning during high school (not just breakfast, I’m talking full feast oatmeal, eggs, toast… #girlsgottaeat), he cleans, washes laundry, volunteers to help park cars at church on Sunday mornings, and always goes out of his way to pursue, provide, and protect my mom, sister, and me.

 It is my prayer that through this series we may #bloomandgrowforever together.

If you missed the word study on compassion you can find it here.

Let’s throw kindness around like confetti this week, shall we?

bloom & grow,

Madeline Rose

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