Ultimate and Highest Example of Kindness

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared . . . Titus 3:4

Kindness: favorable attitude — that is serviceable

But—there is a contrast from Titus 3:1-3 to verse 4. 

The apostle takes the advantage of the above character of himself, and others in their former state, to set off and magnify the grace of God in their conversion; so contraries, as black and white, illustrate each other. John Gill's Exposition

The act of redeeming us was one of great kindness, or goodness. The plan of salvation was founded on love to man, and was the highest expression of that love. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

This is a very practical Epistle. See how closely Paul keeps to the doctrines of grace. He never teaches that we are to be saved by works; but, being saved by the grace of God alone, and being made heirs according to the hope of eternal life, we are then, out of gratitude to God, to abound in everything that is good, and holy, and kind, and after the mind of Christ. Spurgeon's Verse Expositions of the Bible

We have the ultimate and highest example of kindness in God Himself. For there is no way for us to earn or deserve salvation. It is only by His kindness and mercy that salvation is provided. We are to show that same kindness to others, and the only way to do that is through allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. 

The fruit of the Spirit is  . . . kindness. 

Favorable attitude — that is serviceable. Kindness is action. 

What Do the Facts Support?

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Kindness: favorable attitude — that is serviceable

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,  in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,  by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,  by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed;  as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 (NKJV)

Commend: referring to facts "lining up" with each other to support something

Ministers: servants, those through whom God carries on his administration on earth; the root of this word means: 'to kick up dust,' as one running an errand"

I am to be kicking up dust, as I am hurriedly and obediently sharing the love of God with others. The facts surrounding my life should be that of kindness. A favorable attitude — that is serviceable. I am not to be kind in only words, but in actions. 

Do the facts support that my attitude is put into action? Do I "do kindness"? 

My prayer is: That in all things the facts state that I am indeed actively doing what God wants — with an attitude of kindness. 

Galatians 5:22, 23

To read about each part, search for "Galatians 5:22, 23 (link below).

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/search/label/Galatians%205%3A22-23

Dominion Mastery

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Self-control: the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions (THAYER'S GREEK LEXICON); proceeding out from within oneself, but not by oneself; "dominion, mastery"

Self-control: the ability to exercise restraint or control over one's feelings, emotions, reactions, etc (Dictionary.com)

One who masters his desires and passions. Dominion Mastery! 

There are many things which I have "mastered". Some have taken years to learn, and some things, even though I think I've "mastered" them, I still have more learning to do. 

Dominion Mastery, made me think of Taekwondo. You start with a White belt, and after you have mastered certain things, you graduate to a Orange belt. You continue learning and mastering and finally you reach the Black belt. The Black belt represents maturity, you've taken control and learned all the knowledge of the previous belts — you have mastered the art. 

Self-control. Dominions mastery, masters desires and passions—feelings, emotions, and reactions. Since the ability to have self-control comes from "within oneself", that means that it starts with the right "heart-attitude". And that comes from embracing and living the other parts of the Fruit of the Spirit. 

• 1. what God prefers (love)
• 2. grace recognized (joy),
• 3. God's gift of wholeness (peace)
• 4. attitude of uncomplaining (longsuffering)
• 5. favorable attitude — that is serviceable (kindness)
• 6. beyond being good — doing good (goodness)
• 7. character of dependability (faithfulness) 
• 8. power with reserve (gentleness)
• 9. dominion mastery (self-control) 

Power with Reserve

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Gentleness: expresses power with reserve, gentle strength

Gentle, meek, mild refer to an absence of bad temper or belligerence. Gentle has reference especially to disposition and behavior, and often suggests a deliberate or voluntary kindness or forbearance in dealing with others. (www.dictionary.com/browse/gentleness?s=t) 

Power with reserve. I like that description. Gentleness doesn't mean we lie down and ignore the wrong in a situation. Rather, we show love and compassion in the midst of a difficult situation. 

Too often we approach situations with the POWER and forget the reserve. We go with full strength and forget the gentle. 

In order to have the right balance of power and reserve, it begins with what God prefers (love), grace recognized (joy), God's gift of wholeness (peace), and attitude of uncomplaining (longsuffering), kindness (favorable attitude — that is serviceable), goodness (beyond being good — doing good),  and faithfulness — character of dependability. 

Power with reserve. I wonder how different our world would be if we all exercised a bit of gentleness. I wonder how different my life would be if I showed more gentleness to those around me. 

Power with reserve. Gentle strength. Forbearance in dealing with others. 

Character of Dependability

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Faithfulness: the character of one who can be relied on; strict observance of promises, duties; fidelity, trustworthiness, dependability

One who can be relied on — dependable. If you say you are going to do something, you do it. No excuses.  Reliable.  Can be trusted.

The character of one — that's the basis for faithfulness. What is your character? 

In our society today, lying has become the acceptable norm. There seems to be no consequence for lying. Even if our society doesn't hold one accountable for lying — God does!  

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue. Proverbs 6:16, 17a

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. Proverbs 12:22

Faithfulness — character of dependability. 

Do you do what you say? Can you be trusted? Are you faithful in your words, actions, and attitude? 

Beyond Being — Doing Good!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Goodness: uprightness of heart and life, moral excellence (virtue), beneficence

Goodness goes beyond just being "good" or moral. It means that moral excellences translates into dong — beneficence, charity, making a contribution. 

Notice the progression: what God prefers (love), grace recognized (joy), God's gift of wholeness (peace), and attitude of uncomplaining (longsuffering) is the foundation for our actions kindness (favorable attitude — that is serviceable) and now goodness (beyond being good — doing good).

Goodness, moral excellence that goes beyond just being — and translates into doing!

Attitude Translates Into Action

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Kindness: favorable attitude, usefulness, i.e. morally, excellence (in character or demeanor); kindness that is also serviceable

Favorable attitude — that is serviceable! 

When I looked up "serviceable" the thesaurus, I found the following words: dependable, beneficial, invaluable, practical, usable.

Kindness isn't about just being polite. Rather it has the idea of having an attitude that translates into action. 

How often do we DO "kindness"? Kindness is to be beneficial, invaluable, PRACTICAL, and usable. But first must begin with an attitude — morally excellent attitude. 

Attitude: manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind. (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/attitude)

If I want to produce kindness, I must work on my attitude for that will determine my actions. A good place to begin with an attitude adjustment is right in Galatians 5:22. 

Is my attitude what God prefers (love)? Does my attitude reflect grace recognized (joy)?  Is my attitude based on God's gift of wholeness (peace). Is my attitude one of uncomplaining (longsuffering)?

Kindness — attitude translates into action! 

Proverbs 12:21-23 Honor in Communication

No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. Proverbs 12:21-23

Lying: deceitful, falsehood, untruth, sham

Abomination: something disgusting

Lord: God of deity, Yahweh

Truthfully: steadfastness, fidelity, faithfulness, trust

Delight: goodwill, good pleasure

Prudent: a shrewd (in a good sense) or sensible man

Conceals: overwhelms, is full, securely hidden

Heart: knowledge

Fools: stupid fellow, dullard

Foolishness: folly, (from the word "evil", meaning to be perverse)

Lying lips disgust the Eternal, but those who act faithfully delight Him. Proverbs 12:22
(VOICE)The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Proverbs 12:22
(NIV)Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. Proverbs 12:22 (AMP)

Smart people keep quiet about what they know, but stupid people advertise their ignorance. Proverbs 12:23 (GNT)

A clever man is careful in revealing what he knows, but a fool betrays his incompetence. Proverbs 12:23 (VOICE)

Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge; talkative fools broadcast their silliness. Proverbs 12:23 (MSG)

As I read these verses, I kept thinking that verse 23 should precede vs 22. If you don't talk a lot, you won't lie. Simple right? 

Although that is true. When I looked back at the verses, I realized one very important detail—where the Lord fits, and where I fit. 

Vs 22 clearly states that Lying is an abomination to the Lord. Lying is disgusting to God. He abhors it. 

vs. 23 shares the impact of talking on those around us. When we talk too much, we get ourselves into trouble. 

Vs 22: God directed.

Vs 23: People directed. 

If I guard against lying, I will THINK before speaking, and therefore I am more opt to keep my mouth shut! 

Lying is deceitful. It damages trust. It causes doubt. And it is disgusting to God! 

Too often we try to justify lying. We don't want to hurt someone's feelings, or we want to get out of trouble, or the lie makes us sound "better." 

No matter why we want to lie—it's sin. Period. No justification or reason makes lying "ok". 

"Smart people keep quiet." (Proverbs 12:22; GNT)

You don't have to tell everything you know. Often, it's better to remain quiet, than to share all the wisdom you have (or think you have). We've all been in situations where someone starts talking, and you soon realize that the person talking has NO knowledge about the subject, yet they can't stop talking — even if it is pure nonsense. Just because you KNOW something, doesn't mean to share that knowledge. Often it's better to be quiet and listen. 

We all like communicating. Phones aren't just for talking anymore, now there is texting, emails, Twitter, Facebook, integral, Pinterest..... the list goes on and on. No matter HOW you are communicating, the importance is WHAT you are communicating! 

Are my words TRUE? Are they KIND? Are they NECESSARY? Are they BENEFICIAL? Are they PURPOSEFUL? 

In order to have my communication truthful and appropriate, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when I am fearing and respecting God, I'll want to honor Him in my communication. 

Proverbs 11:7-11 Blessings are Contagious!

When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, and the hope of the unjust perishes. The righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead. The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. Proverbs 11:7-11

Blessings are contagious! 

We like celebrations. If you google "holidays", you'll find some type of holiday for almost each day of the year. Just this past week, you could have celebrated: World Hello Day (11/21); Mother Goose Day (11/22); National Expresso Day (11/23); Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day (11/24); National Parfait Day (11/25) among other things. 

When a righteous person is blessed by God, those around him are also blessed. The blessing is contagious and spreads. 

Think of it on a smaller scale. If you work, there is one cubical, office, or area which people like to visit simply because the main occupant of that space is joyful and blessed. Others want to share in that atmosphere and walk away with a spring in their step. 

There are certain stores which we like to visit, because the employees are kind, courteous, have a smile and the atmosphere is happy. 

By the blessings of the righteous a city is exalted. 

Just think of living in a place where each individual was righteous. That city would be exploding with an abundance of blessings and goodness from God. That's a place where I'd like to live! But if I want to live there, I MUST first have a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For only when I fear God, will my attitude and actions be righteous. 

Blessings are contagious! Am I spreading them?

Words. Actions. Beyond Measure.

Ruth 2:13-17

Words. Actions. Beyond measure. 

Boaz spoke kindly to Ruth. Then he went further and put that kindness into action. Then even went further than expected and blessed Ruth. 

Words. Actions. Beyond measure.

Ruth responded with humility and thanksgiving. She continued to work hard. She accepted the blessings that she was given, and "paid it forward" by sharing with Naomi. 

Words. 

Words can encourage or cause discouragement. Words can convey kindness. But often if we stop at just words, and don't add actions, our words can be meaningless. 

Actions.

Actions should be an extension of our words. If we say we will do something—do it. Actions continue to convey the meaning of our words.  

Beyond measure. 

Word and actions shouldn't stop short of sharing God's love. It's not just the "least we can do", rather it's "all out"! Beyond measure, that extra step, that unexpected blessing. 

Boaz didn't just speak kindly to Ruth, he also shared his food with her. And notice what Ruth did—she ate until she was full and kept the extra so Naomi would have food to eat as well. Ruth was not caught up in the treatment she was receiving. She was not selfish, as she continued to remember and want to care for Naomi. 

Boaz didn't just tell Ruth to glean in his fields, he made sure that she'd be able to gather more than enough grain. He told his workers to leave extra laying around so that she would be sure to have more than she needs. Ruth didn't just stand around and expect to be handed the grain, rather she continue to work in the fields. At the end of the day, when she was tired, she continue to work to "beat out the grain". Her actions continue to display solid work ethic. 

Due to the kindness of Boaz and his willingness to go 'beyond', Ruth not only had food to eat, and extra for Naomi, she also had a profitable day gleaning—enough for about 5 days worth of food! That was a huge amount considering she was gleaning behind the workers. But because Boaz went "beyond", Ruth ended up with "beyond" what she needed for the day. 

Words. Actions. Beyond Measure. 

When my heart is permeated with a deeps sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), not only will my words be kind and truthful, my words will be put into action, and I'll be willing to go "beyond" to encourage and show God's love to others.

14 Years!

One week until my "Blessings Celebrate Day!" 

Can't believe that this year marks 14 years since I injured my back. Each year on/near the anniversary of Oct 25th, I celebrate the blessings God has given me over the past year. And each year, I continue to be amazed at His generosity, HIs kindness, and His creativity in giving me blessings. 

This year, I'd like to know what, if anything, you've learned because of my journey of chronic pain. I know that I have learned so much. But I'd like to know if you too have learned anything as you've followed me, prayed for me, or have gotten to know me over the past 14 years. 

If you have learned anything as you've read my blog, or followed my journey, please comment. 

Thank you. Looking forward to hearing what my friends are learning because of my journey.

Unleashed!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The Twenty-eigth of each Month, I'm studying Psalm 33. Here's what Treasure I found today.

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. Psalm 33:21, 22 (NLT)

For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name.  Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You. Psalm 33:21, 22 (AMP)

Because (for): assuredly, but, certainly, doubtless.

Heart: inner man, mind, will, heart, courage, strength, “head & heart”. 

Rejoice: cheer up, be make glad, have, make joyful, be make merry, cause to, make to rejoice.

Trust: be bold confident, secure, sure.

Holy: consecrated thing, dedicated thing, hallowed thing, holiness, most holy.

Name: implication honor, authority, character.

Let: accomplished, committed, to exist.

Loving-kindness: To be kind, abundant, plenteous in kindness, to be good.

As: cause to ascend up, above, according to.

We: who, which, what, that, when—whosoever.

Hope: to be patient, cause to, have, make to hope, stay, tarry, trust, wait.

Where do I find joy? Is there a reason to rejoice? 

Assuredly, I put my courage and strength, in God and that action (putting my confidence) in God is in itself an occasion to rejoice. Always, in each and every circumstance—the act of trusting in the Name (character, God Himself) of God—the source of joy—will produce joy!

As I trust, wait upon God, stay contently with God, His abundant kindness and goodness will exist in my life. 

So the act of trust produces not only joy, but “unleashes” God’s abundant goodness to me, His child. If I want to experience pure joy and abundant goodness, I must place all my confidence—both my “head and heart” —in God and God alone. 

Any day that I have God’s joy and abundant goodness unleashed on me... creates an awesome positive day!

Customer Service in Reverse!

The past few weeks, I've been searching for a daybed and mattress. The daybed will provide more support for my back, compared to the old sofa.

I found the Daybed I wanted (pictured above right), but needed to find a mattress with enough support.

As I searched for the right mattress, I went to countless stores, and tried out more mattresses than I can remember. I don't remember much about some of the stores I visited.... however, a few stand out in my mind. One in particular stands out because the salesperson was very rude and did his best to convince me that I didn't know what I wanted. However, if he would have listened to me for just a minute, he would have learned that I had done my homework; I knew not only what I wanted—but needed. But he didn't want to listen. He only wanted a sale....no matter the cost. He didn't get his sale.

As I left that store... I was very frustrated. Even if that store would have been cheaper (and they weren't) I wouldn't have bought the mattress from them, simply because their customer service was.... TERRIBLE! What if I had a problem with my order? I couldn't have trusted that man to fix any problems. He didn't care about me—the customer.

On the other hand, one store stood out because the salesman was very kind, treated me with respect. He listened to what I wanted and answered my questions. There was no pressure to purchase anything before I was ready. The nice thing, is that they not only sold mattresses, but the daybed I wanted! It should be no surprise that this week, when I was ready to place the order for the daybed and I returned to Back to Bed—and Tom, the salesman who was kind. (Shayne who actually took my order was also very kind and respectful.)

This entire experience

got me thinking about
customer service .... in reverse.

When we are consumers we expect a certain level of respect and attention. But what do the salesmen, doctors, clerks, etc., get from me? Just because I'm the customer doesn't give me the right to be rude or disrespectful. 

"The customer is always right." As much as we want to believe that—we aren't. The idea behind that is that companies want to keep our business; therefore, they will do what they can to make us happy. 

If a company or business, or doctor's office had a choice in their customers, would they choose me? How do I treat the clerks? How do I treat the staff? Do I show respect? Am I kind?

I like to be treated with kindness and I'm sure you do to. So, the next time I visit a store, or doctor's office I hope to show some kindness to the staff I encounter.

My goal is to offer good

Customer Service—in Reverse! 

Part of creating a positive day is how I treat those with whom I have contact. Smile it's contagious. That is also true for respect and kindness. If I treat others around me with kindness, kindness will be returned to me. Any day your life is touched by kindness is a positive day!

Person or the Job

The other day I said "I appreciate what you do" to someone. As I walked away, it got me thinking. Do I appreciate what they do? Or who they are? There is a difference.

Some people I don't know, so I do appreciate what they do.... but with other people...those whom I've gotten to know...I should appreciate THEM, not JUST what they do. 

If I just appreciate the actions, I can take the person for granted. "But it's their job." That doesn't mean I shouldn't appreciate the person. When I only see the job, the person becomes invisible. The more I try to get to know the people around me, the more I appreciate what they do and who they are. The more I get to know the people around me, my life is enriched. 

For example, I live in an apartment building, so there are many who keep the complex up and running. Living here 16 years, the owners have changed, and so has the staff. But as I get to know the individuals, I appreciate what they do, even more. By taking a few minutes to talk with the person, I learn about their vacations (that sure helps me not complain when something isn't done that week...they are gone!). I learn about the fun things they do, their struggles, and when they get hurt. As I talk with them, I learn to appreciate the person, not just when they complete their job.

If I am only grateful for what people do for me, I can become very selfish. I expect so and so to do "ABC" for me. Rather than thinking of the person doing the job, I think of only what's in it for me. That's not only just wrong... it's being very ungrateful. We all like it when people like our work, but we like it even more when people appreciate US.

I hope as I go about my life, I'll take a moment to SEE the people who do things around me, and get to KNOW each individual. Yes, I'll still appreciate what they do..... but even more WHO they are.

Each day, we meet a variety of people: a deliver person, the clerk at the coffee shop, a co-worker, a garage mechanic, doctors, the list continues. To honestly create a positive day, I must reach out to those people and share a smile and kind word.  At first, it may be about their work..but as I see that person every day, appreciating them....will make the day a very positive one—for both of us!