What does "love is kind" teach us about our treatment of strangers? Love Is Kind: The Heart of 1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) Kindness is the active, tangible side of love. It is how love behaves when it meets another person, especially someone unknown to us. Kindness Defined • The Greek word chresteuomai points to generosity, benevolence, and useful action. • Kindness is more than polite manners—it is love taking practical shape for the good of another. Why Strangers Matter • Every person bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27). • Strangers give us daily, unscheduled opportunities to imitate the Lord’s kindness (Luke 6:35). • Our treatment of those we do not know reveals whether Christ truly rules our hearts (John 13:35). Scriptural Snapshots of Kindness to Strangers • Leviticus 19:33-34—“You shall treat the foreigner as a native-born among you. You are to love him as yourself…” • Hebrews 13:2—“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” • Luke 10:33-34—The Samaritan “was moved with compassion… and took care of him.” • Ephesians 4:32—“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” • Romans 2:4—God’s own “kindness leads you to repentance.” Practical Ways to Live “Love Is Kind” Today 1. Notice people others overlook—grocery clerks, delivery drivers, newcomers at church. 2. Speak gentle, affirming words; kindness often starts with the tongue (Proverbs 15:4). 3. Offer tangible help: a meal, a ride, directions, or simply your time. 4. Welcome strangers into your circle—coffee after church, an open seat at your table. 5. Practice patience in public spaces—traffic, queues, misunderstandings. 6. Give without expectation of return, mirroring God’s generosity to us. 7. Pray silently for the stranger while serving them, entrusting outcomes to God. What Happens When We Show Kindness • We mirror the character of our Father who “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). • The gospel gains credibility as people experience Christ’s love before they hear it explained. • Hearts often soften, opening doors for deeper conversations about salvation. • Our own faith deepens; obedience draws us nearer to the Lord who commands it. Closing Reflection Love that is truly kind sees the stranger, steps toward them, and chooses helpful action. In doing so, we enact the living word of 1 Corinthians 13:4 and display the very kindness that first sought us in Christ. |
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