1 John 5:1-5 The Passion Translation (TPT)
In a culture that seems to have lost a grip on demonstrating genuine kindness, how strongly do you feel your life reflects the kindness of God? Kindness and integrity cannot be separated; they begin as seeds that grow together and flourish in the hand of God. Kindness is a fruit produced by the Holy Spirit that meets the needs of people, operating in God’s way of doing good, while avoiding harshness (or cruelty). Kindness makes us useful in the hand of Almighty God and Christ brings us the wisdom to understand where to apply it. Our duty is to obey the Word; faith expresses itself in the lovingkindness of the Lord (Gal. 5:6).
If we are not willing to produce the fruit of kindness, then we can easily get off the righteous path seeking to fulfill our own agendas at any cost. We must treat people the way we would want to be treated if we were standing in his or her shoes. Never forget the Word teaches unkindness is also a seed that grows in human flesh and it doesn’t end well, “Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure. The higher you lift up yourself in pride, the harder you’ll fall in disgrace (Proverbs 16:18). True love lives out the commands of God to genuinely love one another. Kindness is the love of Christ in action.
1 John 5:1-5 The Proof of Love and the Victory of Faith
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah is God’s spiritual child and has been fathered by God himself. And everyone who loves Father God loves his children as well. 2 This is how we can be sure that we love the children of God: by having a passionate love for God and by obedience to his commands. 3 True love for God means obeying his commands, and his commands don’t weigh us down as heavy burdens [grace is made available]. 4 You see, every child of God overcomes the world [conquers the world’s system], for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. 5 So who are the world conquerors, defeating its power? Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your lovingkindness found in the Son that is extended to all your children. Holy Spirit please continue to produce the fruit of kindness in me, so I may remain useful in your hands to bring you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.