Dr H Reflections

Stand up for yourself ∙

Stand up for yourself ∙

We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you. – 2 Corinthians 10:13

2 Corinthians 11:2-4

2 For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband – Christ.

3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning ways.

4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.

Chick-fil-A has long stood out in the fast-food industry with its unique marketing strategy, featuring cows as its bovine spokespersons for over 25 years. Their slogan, “Eat Mor Chikin,” underscores their distinction from other fast-food chains that primarily serve hamburgers. As the largest poultry-based fast-food chain in America, Chick-fil-A achieved more than 21.6 billion in domestic sales in 2023, nearly triple the combined sales of both KFC and Popeyes.

Chick-fil-A has taken legal action against 16 chicken producers, including industry giants Tyson Foods and Perdue Farms, accusing them of conspiring to keep prices artificially high. The company alleges that these producers colluded to inflate prices following Chick-fil-A’s 2014 announcement that by 2019, it would only sell chicken not treated with antibiotics. This price inflation impacted billions of dollars in chicken purchases, costs that were ultimately passed on to consumers. Other companies, such as Aldi supermarkets and Campbell Soup, have joined in the legal battle against the chicken producers.

Chick-fil-A alleges that the suppliers violated federal antitrust laws by sharing confidential bidding and pricing information with each other through phone and text messages. This has resulted in a legal dispute as Chick-fil-A takes a stand against what it sees as unfair practices (Neil Vigdor, http://www.nytimes.com).

Undaunted, Big Chicken will by no means “chicken out.” Perdue Farms’ spokeswoman, Andrea Staub, firmly asserted, “We believe these claims are unfounded and plan to contest the merits.” America will undoubtedly be witness to the most egregious cockfight in history.

The idea of taking a stand against Big Chicken seems outlandish, if not oddly intriguing, almost oxymoronic, a tad humorous, whimsical, and even preposterous.

Developing the ability to stand up for yourself and your faith is crucial in commanding respect from others. When you assert your beliefs and set boundaries, people are more likely to pause or even abandon any attempts to push you around or manipulate you. It’s important to remember that, just like water seeks the path of least resistance, individuals often test boundaries until they encounter firm, unwavering principles.

Prepare yourself to take a decisive stand and then stand firm with confidence.

REFLECT & PRAY

1 Peter 5:12 My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is indeed part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

Father, grant me the wisdom to know when to take a stand and the courage to stand firm on the truth of the Word of God.

INSIGHT

In the early church, adversaries of the truth often conspired to harm the body of Christ. Deceivers and false teachers were widespread. As an apostle, Paul had to confront the children of the King. The book of 2 Corinthians offers several insights into what occurred.

2 Corinthians 11:4-20

13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.

19 After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools!

20 You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.

The children of the King were being led astray from their pure devotion to the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. They were gullible, easily deceived, and ruthlessly taken advantage of by false teachers. Believing themselves to be wise, enlightened, open, compliant, accommodating, tolerant, and even benevolent, they might today have considered themselves, in a pejorative sense, “woke.” However, instead of growing more robust in their faith and walking closer to the Father, they were being deceived, seduced, and led astray. Simply speaking, they caved into false teachers.

The often-quoted pejorative aphorism “suffer fools gladly” originates from the KJV rendering of the first half of 2 Corinthians 11:19 (Baker). Referring to these gullible Corinthians as “wise” is scathingly sarcastic. Rather than being wise, they were fools. They are the very fools who embraced other fools so heartily (Baker).

Paul was confrontational and exposed the true source of the deception that fueled the false teachers: Satan himself. Paul did not hold back or mince words.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.

14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end, they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

It was long overdue for the Corinthians to stand up and resist. They needed to confront the powerful influences misleading them, akin to fighting the “Big Chicken” of their day. They should not allow themselves to be enslaved by false teachers or taken advantage of any longer.

2 Corinthians 11:19-20

19 After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools!

20 You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.

“The Corinthians considered themselves unusually wise, but they were being unusually foolish by not only humoring the fools in their midst but doing so gladly. They were absurdly tolerant. They submitted to the teaching of the false apostles even though it resulted in their own enslavement” (Constable).

“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything” (Albert Einstein).

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Does God have grandchildren? ∙∙

Does God have grandchildren? ∙∙

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:26

Daniel 5:18-22

18 Your Majesty, the Most High God, gave sovereignty, majesty, glory, and honor to your predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar.

20 But when his heart and mind were puffed up with arrogance, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.

21 He was driven from human society. He was given the mind of a wild animal, and he lived among the wild donkeys. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven until he learned that the Most High God rules over the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them.

22 You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself.

What is a grandparent? Even without formal training in biology, the concept of grandparents is broadly understood. Grandparents are the biological parents of an individual’s mother or father. Children have direct relationships with their parents, who gave birth to them. Although children are biologically connected to their grandparents, their grandparents did not directly bring them into the world. As a result, grandchildren have an indirect familial bond with their grandparents.

In contrast, there are no intermediaries between Father God and His children. Every child of the King has a direct, personal relationship with their heavenly Father. Each child of the King made an individual, personal decision to believe in and accept the Lord Jesus Christ. By doing so, we become the Father’s children and enter into a personal relationship with Him.

John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

When we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, we are spiritually born again as children of God. This new birth is not a physical one but a transformation of our inner being. It is a spiritual awakening that occurs when we believe in Jesus Christ, leading to a profound spiritual awakening within us. This rebirth is not of the flesh; that is, it is not a physical one, but it is of the spirit, and it signifies our new identity as children of the King.

John 1:13 [We] are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

John 3:3-8

3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.”

6 “Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”

7 “So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’”

8 “The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

REFLECT & PRAY

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk of the word so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.

Father, thank You for making us Your children. You adopted us into Your Forever Family when You caused us to be born of the Spirit.

INSIGHT

Does the Father have grandchildren? No, absolutely not! The Father only has children. Faith is a personal decision that everyone must make for themselves. It is not like a human trait or inheritance passed from generation to generation. Each child of the King is responsible for providing biblical teaching, guiding, and leading by example to allow their children to come to faith in the Father and His word for themselves.

This is perfectly illustrated in Daniel 2-5. The Father reached out to Nebuchadnezzar in a unique way through Daniel and his three Jewish friends: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In Daniel 2, Daniel is given supernatural wisdom to interpret dreams.

Nebuchadnezzar was suffering from a recurring nightmare. Daniel was summoned to not only interpret it but to tell Nebuchadnezzar what he had dreamed.

Daniel was not some shadowy soothsayer. He was a kingdom man empowered by the Father, the living God. The Father revealed to Daniel what Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed and its meaning and interpretation. When Daniel shared what God had provided, Nebuchadnezzar was not only impressed but amazed. Consequently, Nebuchadnezzar believed in the supernatural power of the God of Israel.

Daniel 2:47-49

47 The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.”

48 Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men.

49 At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to manage all the affairs of the province of Babylon while Daniel remained in the king’s court.

Next, Daniel’s three friends refused to obey the king’s command to bow down and worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, considering it an act of idolatry. As a result, they were thrown into the fiery furnace. The Father sent an angel to miraculously protect them. Nebuchadnezzar could not believe his eyes and came to believe in the extraordinary power, reality, and existence of the Father. He realized that the God of Israel was at work in the space-time continuum.

Daniel 3:28-30

28 “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

29 . . . There is no other god who can rescue like this!”

30 Then, the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar had faith in the Father but not the kind of faith that would make him a child of the King. He was not far from the Kingdom of God (Mark 12:34).

Because Nebuchadnezzar was proud and braggadocios, the Father struck him with a rare form of mental illness called boanthropy. When he finally recovered and came to his senses, he finally accepted the Father as his God (Daniel 4). He was in the kingdom of God (Luke 14:15).

Daniel 4:34-37

34 “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal.

35 All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’

36 “When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even more incredible honor than before.

37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, glorify, and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”

Nebuchadnezzar, the pagan king of Babylon, had become a believer in Israel’s true and living God. He had become a child of the King. However, he failed to pass on his faith to his family and descendants. The handwriting on the wall was a message to his grandson, Belshazzar.

Sadly, Belshazzar was unaware of Daniel and the God of Israel. He did not know what Nebuchadnezzar believed. He threw a great feast and, in so doing, mocked the God of Israel. A hand appeared, and a message was written on the wall: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN (Daniel 5:25).

Belshazzar was terrified. He was told about Daniel, who had the wisdom, insight, and understanding of the gods. He summoned Daniel to provide the meaning of the words (Daniel 5:11-12).

Daniel 5:17-22

17 Daniel answered the king, Keep your gifts or give them to someone else, but I will tell you what the writing means.

18 Your Majesty, the Most High God, gave sovereignty, majesty, glory, and honor to your predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar.

20 But when his heart and mind were puffed up with arrogance, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.

22 You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself.

The Father only has children, not grandchildren!

Daniel 5:23-24

23 For you have proudly defied the Lord of heaven and have had these cups from his Temple brought before you. You and your nobles and your wives and concubines have been drinking wine from them while praising gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone – gods that neither see nor hear nor know anything. But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny!

24 So God has sent this hand to write this message.

Daniel 5:30 That very night, Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was killed.

Because of his pride, defiance, and refusal to believe in the true God, the God of Israel, Belshazzar was doomed.

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Timely moments – fitting words

Timely moments – fitting words

For everything, there is an appointed time and an appropriate time for every activity on earth. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.

4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.

7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.

Throughout history, at appropriate times, the Father has raised up ideally suited, capable, seemingly tailor-made individuals to utter memorable, heartfelt, appropriate words.

“In war, resolution

In defeat, defiance

In victory, magnanimity

In peace, goodwill” (Churchill).

“Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.”

“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Lincoln).

“Not only are there times and seasons in this world, but there is also an overruling providence in our lives. From before our birth to the moment of our death, God is accomplishing His divine purposes, even though we may not always understand what He is doing” (Wiersbe).

As there are ebbs and flows to times and seasons, our personal experiences also have their fluctuations and swings.

The Father is at work, and He is at work all the time. As we interact with His assignments for our lives, the use of the right words and actions can significantly impact outcomes. Good word choice conveys empathy, understanding, respect, and clarity, enhancing effective communication. Similarly, aligning our actions with our words and intentions demonstrates integrity and nurtures trust.

The rub comes when we speak ill-timed words or take inappropriate actions. Sometimes, we act out of defiance and stubbornness instead of peace and goodwill; we may ultimately find ourselves opposing the will of the Father.

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 13:5 But I have placed my trust in Your lovingkindness; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.

Father, thank You for making everything beautiful in its own time.

INSIGHT

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

The Hebrew word translated as “season” or “appointed time” is zeman. This term does not refer to a general period but rather to a specific moment in time. It is forward-looking, gazing into the future and suggesting there is an exact time for something to occur. Its focus is not on the concept of time itself but on the succession of events within the space-time continuum.

Consider the fairy tale Cinderella. In the story, she is mistreated by her jealous stepsisters and stepmother, living a life of drudgery and misery as a maid in her own home. A kindly Fairy Godmother comes to her aid, providing her with a beautiful silver gown and a unique pair of glass slippers so that she may attend Prince Charming’s ball. However, there is one condition: the magic spell will be broken at a specific moment in time, midnight. At that moment, the coach and horses, the footmen and driver, and the dress all revert to their original forms. This perfectly illustrates the concept of an “appointed time.”

Appointed times, seasons, and every event under heaven are planned and actualized through the Father’s grace and peace. Regardless of the circumstances, grace and peace are always the present possessions of every child of the King.

What are grace and peace?

“These are two things you can always have, no matter what your circumstances. Grace is all God’s power, all his love, all his beauty available to you. It is a marvelous term that wraps up all that God is and offers to us. It comes from the same Greek word from which we get our English word charm. Grace is charming, lovely, and pleasant. It is something which pleases, which imparts charm and loveliness to a life.”

“Peace is freedom from anxiety, fear, and worry. These are the two characteristics which ought to mark Christians all the time: Grace – God at work in their life; and peace – a sense of security, of trust” (Stedman).

Understanding grace enables one to place great trust in the Father. Trusting in the Father allows one to experience tremendous peace and rest, knowing that the Father is gracious and kind. The Father reveals His personality, character, and ways through His words.

Psalms 33:13-22

13 The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.

14 From his throne, he observes all who live on the earth.

15 He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

From His unlimited and eternal perspective, the Father sees and knows all. Because He is omniscient, He is aware of our innermost motives and intentions. Because He created us, He has a perfect understanding of how we feel, think, and act. There is no misunderstanding; He knows us thoroughly. Yet, remarkably, He still calls us into His love, His fellowship, and His life!

When children of the King respond to His call to know, worship, and choose to serve Him, several remarkable things often occur in the innermost parts of our being. We experience inner peace, joy, increased hope, and confidence. The Father designed worship to develop a deep love for Him and His people.

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The myth of impartiality ∙∙

The myth of impartiality ∙∙

Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth and defer to no one, for You are not partial to any. – Matthew 22:16

John 2:24-25

24 But Jesus didn’t trust them because he knew human nature.

25 No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.

There is a widespread myth that actual impartiality is achievable. However, everyone possesses their own personal opinions, preferences, or biases. Consider a simple scenario: when you go to buy doughnuts, which kind do you choose? How do you perceive those who prefer different types than you do? Such choices reflect individuality, diversity, and personal preferences, which are ingrained in our fallen DNA.

Humanity, at its core, is tribal. We tend to favor our own groups, whether these are based on shared interests, cultural backgrounds, or other commonalities. This tribalism manifests in many aspects of life. For instance, football fans often exhibit intense loyalty towards their favorite teams. This loyalty can lead to a strong dislike for rival teams and their supporters.

The same principle applies to many other areas of life, from political affiliations to brand loyalties. People inherently align themselves with certain groups and develop preferences that may sometimes lead to biases against others. Such biases are an intrinsic part of human psychology.

What is bias?

Bias consists of attitudes, behaviors, and actions that are prejudiced in favor of or against one person or group compared to another.

What is implicit bias?

Implicit bias occurs automatically and unintentionally, yet it significantly impacts judgments, decisions, and behaviors. This type of bias refers to unconscious associations, beliefs, or attitudes toward social groups. Often, implicit bias leads to stereotyping, where certain qualities or characteristics are attributed to all members of a particular group (www.verywellmind.com).

Despite its pervasive influence, we are generally unaware of the presence of implicit bias. The proverbial 500-pound gorilla in the room is that everyone harbors implicit bias, even those who criticize others for having it.

Implicit bias is analogous to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS acts unconsciously and regulates bodily functions. It oversees and controls heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, etc. It is there, but we are generally unaware of its presence.

The line between personal preference and diversity is crossed when it becomes disdain, prejudice, and outright hatred. Recognizing this, we should strive to understand and respect the perspectives of others, even if they differ from our own. While total impartiality might be a myth, empathy, and open-mindedness are within our reach.

In the 21st century, recognizing implicit bias has become a catalyst for social and cultural change. However, people often feel bewildered by the accusation because it strikes so close to home. While many can recognize and acknowledge their conscious biases, insidious implicit biases usually lurk beneath the surface. Moreover, most individuals who consider themselves morally upright acknowledge the evil of blind, hateful prejudice and genuinely wish to see it eradicated.

Who decides which groups are favored and which are not? When wrongs are committed, what actions can be taken to right these wrongs, if any? Perhaps the most profound question is: if someone controls this process, then “Who controls the controllers?”

Implicit bias is part of the collateral damage of the Fall; it taints the entire human race. Is there any way to escape this condition? The Father has shown the way.

Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then, you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Has anyone ever lived without bias toward any individual or group? There has only been one: The Lord Jesus Christ. Although his enemies spoke these words, they were undeniably correct.

Matthew 22:16 Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our fallen soulishness, combined with the pressures of the current sinful world, compel us to conform. We must resist and undergo a complete change and renewal in our hearts and minds.

Father, please help me overcome the harmful effects of bias and prejudice by transforming my inner self and changing my thought patterns. Guide me to understand and fulfill Your will, and help me to act in a way that is pleasing to You.

INSIGHT

The Father God is genuinely impartial. The Scriptures make it quite clear.

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

The Greek word translated as “partiality” is prosopolempsia. This term derives from prosopon– meaning “face” – and lambanein – meaning “to lift up.” This word appears exclusively in Christian literature and literally means “to receive the face,” implying acceptance of someone based on their appearance or other external considerations. In addition to Romans 2:11, it is found in Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, and James 2:1. There is no “face-receiving” with the Father, and there should not be among the children of the King.

The concept of “face-receiving” likely originates from the Old Testament, where a similar expression is used.

Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD, your God, is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.

The Hebrew phrase translated as “you shall not be partial” or “do not show partiality” is nasa panim, which can be literally translated as “lift up the face.” This phrase means to show partiality and defer to someone based on their appearance or status.

Job 34:19 He doesn’t care how great a person may be, and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all.

The Father is not concerned about a person’s appearance, wealth, social status, gender, or class. He is totally impartial. In the King James version, it is translated that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). God does not show favoritism. He has no implicit bias or explicit bias.

What are the implications for the children of the King? We are to strive to be impartial as our Father is impartial.

2 Chronicles 19:7 Now, then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in unrighteousness, partiality, or the taking of a bribe.

Romans 12:18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Children of the King are to strive to eliminate face-receiving partiality and instead draw all people to their King.

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It is never too soon to be kind ∙∙

It is never too soon to be kind ∙∙

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. – Proverbs 3:3

Proverbs 20:27-29

27 The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.

28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.

29 The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

Proverbs 20:28 Loyalty and truth preserve the king, and he upholds his throne by righteousness.

Psalms 85:10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Wise sages from various cultures have spoken of the value of kindness throughout the ages.

“Those who make compassion an essential part of their lives find the joy of life. Kindness deepens the spirit and produces rewards that cannot be completely explained in words. It is an experience more powerful than words. To become acquainted with kindness, one must be prepared to learn new things and feel new feelings. Kindness is more than a philosophy of the mind. It is a philosophy of the spirit” (Robert J. Furey).

“I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers” (Khalil Gibran).

“That best portion of a man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love” (William Wordsworth).

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love” (Lao Tzu).

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

“Our culture is obsessed with external beauty, but as hard as we may try to improve our outward appearance, we all eventually experience the effects of aging. Far more important is inner character, which lasts into eternity. And one of the most attractive inward qualities is kindness” (Stanley).

“People characterized by kindness are considerate, loving, tenderhearted, helpful, and gentle. Those on the other end of the spectrum are quick-tempered, bitter, crude, and demanding. The difference is whether one’s focus is on self or others” (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

“If your religion doesn’t help you, it is no religion for you; you had better be without it” (Rutherford).

Father, I am embarrassed to realize the importance of being kind so late in life. I never made the connection between Your lovingkindness and loyal love and my own lack thereof. Teach me and empower me to be kind.

INSIGHT

The wise counsel of the Father is far different from that of many human fathers. Human fathers tend to say, “Do this because I say so.” Our heavenly Father says, “do this because it will help you.” The Father is trying to guide, counsel, and urge us to do what is right and in our best eternal interest. By following His teachings and wisdom, we can experience a sense of completeness, tranquility, and peace (Proverbs 3:2).

Proverbs 3:3 exhorts us to work on our inner character diligently. We are to maintain love and faithfulness. It focuses on “inner integrity that manifests itself in all interactions with God and people” (Garrett). We must allow the Holy Spirit to write the Word of God on our hearts (Proverbs 7:3) (Wiersbe).

The very essence of the Father Himself is kindness and truth. When He appeared to Moses, Moses was allowed to see His back. As He passed by, He spoke, “The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with kindness and truth” (Exodus 34:6).

The Hebrew word translated as “kindness” is hesed. Hesed is one of the most beautiful and captivating words used in the Old Testament to describe the Father. Among His many appealing characteristics, personality traits, and attributes, His lovingkindness stands out as particularly delightful.

Hesed can be translated as loyal love, lovingkindness, mercy, or simply kindness. It encompasses “strength,” “steadfastness,” and “love, reflecting loyal love consistently expressed in relationships.

The Hebrew word for “truth” is emet. Its primary root implies firmness, surety, or certainty (TWOT). Emet connotes faithfulness and dependability.

Truthful words are trustworthy and reliable. An honest person can be depended on to fulfill their commitments and do what is right.

“Authentic kindness does not depend on how others treat us, nor is it a manipulation to get what we want. Kindness is a selfless quality that always considers what’s best for others whether they deserve it or not” (Stanley).

Kindness is more than occasional acts of kindness now and then. It is a continual attitude of the heart that consistently expresses itself through acts of kindness.

How do we become kind?

The answer is simple, but the execution is difficult. We must turn away from depending upon ourselves and walking in our flesh. We are to cultivate a way of life where we walk in the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit means being constantly aware of and responsive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It involves depending on the Spirit, developing a keen sensitivity to His leading, and being attuned to His promptings and voice.

We are able to rise above our sinful passions and self-centeredness, the deeds of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). As we walk in the Spirit, the fruit of our relationship with Him is affirmed and revealed.

Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness and self-control.

Kindness and goodness are closely related words. For kindness, the Greek word is chrestotes. It, too, is commonly translated as goodness. The Rheims version of 2 Corinthians 6:6 translates it as sweetness. It is a lovely word . . . Old wine is called chrestos, mellow. Christ’s yoke is called chrestos (Matthew 11:30); that is, it does not cause discomfort or irritation. The whole idea of the word is goodness, which is kind (Barclay).

As children of the King, we can make it our personal goal to be kind, good, and sweet.

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