Love is Kind
The kindness referred to in 1 Corinthians 13:4 is not merely lip service; it is an active, benevolent, tangible act. The Greek word used here, “chresteuomai”, is from the root word “chrestos” and means to provide something beneficial for someone as an act of kindness; to be kind and gracious. It is an attitude of being willing to help or assist rendering gracious, well-disposed service to others. It is active goodwill. It not only feels generous, it is generous. Such a person not only has the attitude of generosity but manifests it in their actions. He or she not only desires others’ welfare, but works for it.
James, the brother of Christ, wrote in his epistle, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that” (James 2:5-16). James saw this lived out first hand through Jesus.
Nobody sets the example for this active kindness better than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His life on this earth was marked by love in action. He met felt needs perfectly and compassionately. His miracles put His kindness on full display.
Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine (John 2:1-12). This wasn’t a life or death situation, as we see in other miracles He performed. He saved a host from embarrassment and honored His mother as He demonstrated His perfect authority over physics. He provided what was lacking and was glorified without bragging about what He had done.
Consider the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Imagine her shame and vulnerability as she was dragged out publicly and about to be stoned to death. Everyone who knew her sin was ready with a rock to throw at worst, at best they stood back and didn’t intervene. But not Jesus. Jesus stood between this woman and her accusers. Jesus spoke out for her. Jesus offered her forgiveness and grace, Jesus showed her the way to a new life.
The ultimate display of the Lord’s kindness is in His willingness to go to the cross in our place, for our sins. Something we could never accomplish on our own, earning forgiveness for our sins. “He or she not only desires others’ welfare, but works for it.” Jesus completed the work on the cross. What loving kindness toward us that our perfect, sinless God, who spoke the world into existence, who has the power to command the wind and the waves, to call down a legion of angels to defend Him, would take the burden for our sin on His shoulders with the joy of our salvation set before Him. There is no greater kindness than that of Jesus Christ.
James, the brother of Christ, wrote in his epistle, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that” (James 2:5-16). James saw this lived out first hand through Jesus.
Nobody sets the example for this active kindness better than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His life on this earth was marked by love in action. He met felt needs perfectly and compassionately. His miracles put His kindness on full display.
Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine (John 2:1-12). This wasn’t a life or death situation, as we see in other miracles He performed. He saved a host from embarrassment and honored His mother as He demonstrated His perfect authority over physics. He provided what was lacking and was glorified without bragging about what He had done.
Consider the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Imagine her shame and vulnerability as she was dragged out publicly and about to be stoned to death. Everyone who knew her sin was ready with a rock to throw at worst, at best they stood back and didn’t intervene. But not Jesus. Jesus stood between this woman and her accusers. Jesus spoke out for her. Jesus offered her forgiveness and grace, Jesus showed her the way to a new life.
The ultimate display of the Lord’s kindness is in His willingness to go to the cross in our place, for our sins. Something we could never accomplish on our own, earning forgiveness for our sins. “He or she not only desires others’ welfare, but works for it.” Jesus completed the work on the cross. What loving kindness toward us that our perfect, sinless God, who spoke the world into existence, who has the power to command the wind and the waves, to call down a legion of angels to defend Him, would take the burden for our sin on His shoulders with the joy of our salvation set before Him. There is no greater kindness than that of Jesus Christ.
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