FILL MY CUP, LORD
Marilyn Barber
As printed in The Voice of Evangelism
How have I made people feel when
I left their presence? This is
kindness. Even in instances of
edification and exhortation, has gentleness been used? We need to find kindness in our cup or
spiritual lives.
In the Old Testament the word
“lovingkindness” is used in regard to God.
Ps.103:8 Compassion and graciousness goes side by side
with lovingkindness as does love. To be
truly kind we build on that love that hopefully is already in our “cup”. God feels for our needs in His
compassion. As we have compassion on all
with whom we have to do, we need to feel deeply for their needs materially,
emotionally, and spiritually. As we have
this compassion for their needs we will show kindness to them. We will be warm-hearted, courteous, and
considerate. This is a trait we need as
a child of God.
In the Song of Moses he
reiterated the many things God had done in his lovingkindness. Ex.
15:13 Nehemiah mourned over the
destruction of Jerusalem
and prayed to God for the Israelites. He
beseeched God to hear because of His lovingkindness toward those who love Him
and keep His commandments. Neh.1:5
As the foundation of the temple was laid after returning from Babylon , the people sang
praises to God and His lovingkindness. Ez.3:11
God loves but also is kind.
God’s lovingkindness extends to
those who keep His Word. Ps.25:10
God sees our affliction and problems for He knows our every
need. Ps.31:7 Not only does God
see our affliction but He forgives as we confess our sin. Ps.51:1;
Ps.86:5 God is so good to us in His
lovingkindness that we need to praise Him with David for His lovingkindness is
everlasting. Ps.100:5 May we rejoice as
He exercises lovingkindness on earth. Jer.9:24
As we think of God’s kindness to
us, how can we extend that kindness to others?
We pass by many that are longing to be “found” and yet we do not even
recognize their very existence. May God
open our eyes to see the needs of others.
They may dress in a different way or act and speak in a way unpleasing
to us but they need Jesus. If we turn
our back on them, we have done a disservice to them. Kindness with a smile and a desire to find
their need and then extend a helping hand may be the first step toward teaching
them about the Lord.
Jesus went about doing good.
Acts 10:38 Jesus’ first miracle was one of kindness
in saving face for the groom. Jesus saw
the need and then fulfilled it. Think of
the lepers, the blind, the crippled and many others that experienced not only
the healing but the kindness of Jesus as He saw their need. There were occasions of those who mourned as
loved ones faced death and He brought them back to life. Jesus was kind.
At times—many times—we are so
committed to our own agenda that we do not notice the needs of others. It is true that we do not want to meddle but
we often hide behind this as an excuse to not employ acts of kindness. If we are willing to wrap ourselves around
the lives of others in kindness, it will be normal for them to receive help
from us. Never do we want to become
stuck in our own comfort zone.
Kindness is listed as a quality
to be desired by a Christian and one in which to grow. In listing some of the hardships Paul had
experienced, he then goes to the qualities needed. Kindness is one of these in spite of the way
one is treated. 2 Cor.6:6 As we may face
opposition, our words need to show kindness.
Gal.5:15 In order to be “right” or to “have the
last word” we forget kindness and we also forget the fact that we will be held
accountable for every word we say. Matt.12:36,37
If we live by the Spirit, then we
need to walk like it. Gal.5:25
Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit or the result that comes from
walking in the Spirit. The Spirit will
help us develop kindness but it is important that we have that desire to obtain
kindness. As Christians we put on
(clothe ourselves) with a heart of kindness.
Col.3:12 Just as our physical heart is the center
of our physical being, so our spiritual heart is the center of our spiritual
being and God knows our hearts. Lk.16:15
Kindness is to be a quality that is in our heart—not just for an
outward show but a quality that is heart-felt.
Kindness is a quality deeply
engrained in the life of a Christian.
This has to be true in the family.
Many can be so kind to those outside of the home. They want a good reputation. However, when it comes to the family inside
of the home, their guard is let down and we treat them in any way we feel at
the moment. Does Christ not live in our
home?
As we love those outside of
Christ, we must show kindness for love is kind.
1 Cor.13:4 We will not have an opportunity to lead
them to Christ if they cannot see the kindness of Christ in us. We can be kind in material needs. 1 John
3:17 As we show concern for their
emotional needs such as in the loss of a loved one, the comfort of God can be
given to them. Kindness with gentleness
is important in dealing with their spiritual needs. We need to be ready with knowledge of the
Scriptures or at least to lead them to someone who can help them see the
Light. 1 Pet.3:15
Kindness toward our brothers and
sisters in Christ is highly important. Jhn.13:35
Those outside of the church see this love which comes with kindness. It makes a big difference in the way they
look at the church. See what Peter says
about brotherly kindness. 2 Pet.1:7
This is one of those important qualities in a Christian’s life that will
not only shine Jesus to the world but will bind us together as one.
Let us fill our cup with kindness
as Paul exhorted the Ephesians Christians.
Be ye kind to one another…Eph.4:32
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