SHOWING KINDNESS FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:1-14
“Don’t associate with evil men; don’t long for their favours and gifts. Their kindness is a trick; they want to use you as their pawn…” Proverbs 23: 6-8 (TLB)

Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. God expects us to show kindness to one another Ephesians 4:32 (NIV). Some people show kindness for different reasons, however; our reasons for showing kindness must always be pure, selfless and in line with the teaching and person of Jesus before it will ever merit God’s approval.


 Absalom won the hearts of the people of Israel with unusual kindness (v6). However he had an ulterior motive for doing so. He was kind to the people in order to rally support for accomplishing his selfish desire for the throne of Israel (v12). It was all part of his conspiracy against his father and king, David (v14). Kindness that is only shown in anticipation of a reward or as a means to an end is never genuine (Prov. 23: 6-8).

Examine your motives daily and choose to show genuine kindness to all around you. Let it manifest in your relationships with others, in your generosity and in the way you speak. All other opportunities on earth may diminish but not the opportunity to show kindness. Make it genuine, make it your lifestyle. Start today by sharing this word with someone else (Prov. 11:25).

PRAYER:
Lord, bless me with the grace of genuine kindness in Jesus name.

FAITH BYTE:
I show kindness to others even as God showers me with his kindness.

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