Love is Kind

^“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.⁸ Love never fails.”  I Cor. 13:4-8a NIV

God is kind, even benevolent to me, and you.  This reminds me of Jer. 29:11, one of my favorite verses, which says,”^‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'” God’s kindness is much more than a random act here and there. He plans wonderful things for us out of His goodness and grace.

We often think we deserve harshness, because we respond harshly to others. But that is not God’s way. Romans 2:4 NLT says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Yes, sometimes He disciplines us – but it is out of His kindness, not out of anger.  He lovingly draws us to Himself and away from sin through His benevolence towards us — even though and we when we do not deserve it.

God is so kind. His plans for us are good.  He always has good in mind for us – always.

For context, read Consider the Breadth of God’s Love.