-ATTENTIVE EYES-

An Attitude Check

GALATIANS 5:22; 2 TIMOTHY 1:16-18

     I have always thought of kindness as an amiable disposition or a mild temper. But looking at the definition of the word kind, this understanding of kindness comes fourth. “Of a benevolent nature” really seems to fit the definition best, especially after looking up the definition of benevolent. It is a gentle demeanor that is actively looking for the benefit to others rather than personal gain, always seeking to help others. This is where it seems to be the catch: all of this type of fruit of the Spirit emanates completely from a character or demeanor. This is not something that I can produce but simply act in response to. When God is actively working in my life, this will be one of the many results—or should I say, “outward displays.” People won’t be able to overlook this character.
     This is one fruit of the Spirit that I really enjoy showing to others because it can meet both the spiritual and physical needs of a person. Onesiphorus was mentioned in Paul’s second letter to Timothy because of his kindness to Paul, seeking to help meet the needs that were there. We are encouraged in Philippians 2:3-4 to “count others more significant than ourselves,” looking to their interests just as much as, if not more than, we would our own. Is this the type of character I’m displaying?
     Kindness is often linked to a showing of mercy, which is one of the gifts of the Spirit. Romans 12:8 states, “…or he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” This is where I can often get hung up. I want to show kindness to others, but what good would it be if it’s not done in cheerfulness. If none of my service to others is focused on Christ, and instead focused on my current circumstances, of course I can’t be cheerful in ministering to others’ needs. When I walk around others throughout my days, I want to remember to be attentive, not in my own bubble of what needs to be done. But on top of that, I want God to check my attitude before I ever set foot outside my own door to make sure that my own heart is right before going to help others. It’s my desire to keep an attitude before God and man that is pleasing to my Savior. So how kind will I be acting this week as a result of my love for Jesus?