Kindnesses Examples  Part 2

Let us look at some examples of kindness in the Bible.  Indicate whether the act was motivated by God’s Spirit or selfish gain.

1. 2 Kings 8:1 — Elisha to the Shunamite. Elisha shows kindness to the Shumamite woman in directing her away from the upcoming famine.
2. 2 Kings 25:27-30 –Evil-merodach to Jehoiachin. Evil-merodach shows kindness to Jehoiachin, by liberating him from the prison. This kindly feeling is said to have originated from a friendly acquaintance formed when they were both in prison.
3. 2 Chronicles 22:11–Johoshabeath to Joash. Jehoshabeath shows kindness to joash by hiding him from those who would kill him.
4. Esther 2:7 –Mordecai and Esther. Mordecai shows kindness to Esther by taking her into his home when her mother and father die. Verse seven says he took her for his own daughter. That is beautiful. He does not do this because he is aware of Jeremiah’s prophecies.
5. e. Jeremiah 39:11-12–Nebuchadnezzar to Jeremiah. Nebuchadnezzar shows kindness to Jeremiah because he is aware of Jeremiah’s prophecies.

Kindnesses Examples  Part 3

1. Matthew 1:19–Joseph to Mary. Joseph showed kindness to Mary by not wanting to make her a public example, but by giving her a private divorce. He certainly had the opportunity to humiliate her but he didn’t. Let us remember that when this act of kindness occurred, the angel had not yet appeared to him (this happens in verse 20).
2. Luke 7:2-6–A centurion to his servant. The centurion showed kindness to his servant by not just asking, but it says he beseeched Jesus to come and heal his servant. There was no ulterior motive in this. Verse 2 says the servant was very dear to him.
3. John 11:19, 33–Jews to Mary and Martha. The Jews showed kindness to Mary and Martha as they came to share and comfort them in their grief over Lazarus’ death.
4. John 19:27–John to Mary. The scene is the crucifixion and Jesus says to John, “Behold thy mother!” and John shows kindness to Mary by taking her to his home to care for her.
5. Acts 24:23–Felix to Paul

Kindnesses Priority

1. Yes, there is such a thing as counterfeit kindness. No, it isn’t kindness for a parent to allow a child to disobey or do wrong deliberately. In fact, a parent is harming and doing his child a great unkindness if he allows this to happen. It is not an easy thing to discipline a child. It takes time, patience and courage, but God’s Word requires it of us as parents, whether the disobedient be large or small.
2. She opens her mouth with wisdom,and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26 (ESV). As women we have a tremendous task and opportunity to practice kindness.

Kindness Pondered

1. Kindness does not have to be anything so grand or complicated. It must, however, be done in love and it may take some thought and time on our part.

Kindness Expression

As we conclude this study on kindness, let us meditate on these verses that express our Heavenly Father’s kindness (write them out if you wish).

1. Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lordand wait ^[b]patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
2. Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
3. Psalm 92:2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,