In Deuteronomy we hear the Lord’s instruction on the matter of kindness. In chapter 23:4-7 we read; “No Ammonite or Moabite shall enter the assembly of the Lord; none of their descendents, even to the tenth generation, shall ever enter the assembly of the Lord, because they did not meet you with food and water on the way when you came out of Egypt and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia to curse you.” NASB

These descendents of Lot did not consider the kindness of Abraham toward their ancestor. Abraham consistently allowed Lot the best of the land. Even going after Lot when he was captured and carried away by strong kings. Yet these descendents did not remember Abraham’s children with kindness. Our Father holds them accountable.

In 2 Samuel chapter 9, we find King David asking, “Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathon’s sake?” (verse 1) What a difference. One people group withholding kindness in spite of the kindness shown to their forefather and David who had been hunted like an animal showing kindness to the grandson of the very enemy who sought his life.

So it appears that extending kindness is a quality our Abba God holds in high regard. In fact, it is something He expects us to do. We don’t prioritize kindness. We treat kindness as an “elective” of our faith rather than a “requirement” of our faith. If we forget or just choose to walk by an opportunity to extend kindness our conscience doesn’t pain us too much. But to our Abba, it is totally unacceptable.

“But love your enemies and do good and lend expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for  He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.” (Luke 6:35 NASB)

“…love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4 NASB)

“And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NASB)

And our Father does not require anything of us that He does not do Himself. In Isaiah alone we see Him say:

“…with everlasting kindness willI have mercy on Thee…”

“…My kindness will not depart from thee…”

And then we see Titus say, “ But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared…” Titus 3:4-7 NASB

Clearly, the greatest act of kindness ever known was Yeshua our Messiah. What love. What forgiveness. What comfort. It is “exceedingly, abundantly MORE…always…More…

Love and blessings to all this Resurrection Week. Be kind as our Abba is kind. He holds kindness in high regard.