American Reformation Church Prayer Journal 55
ARC Prayer Meeting
Our next focus in exploring Biblical love and its definition taught by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 is “love is kind.” Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. The other 8 fruits are love, joy, peace, forbearance, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22, 23). There is a major difference between being nice and kind.
There is not a single reference in the Bible calling for people to be nice. There are several verses, however, that promote kindness in both Old and New Testaments. Of course, we learn this godly trait first and foremost from the Lord. Titus 3:4 states, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared.” The fact that God sent His Son into this poor-fallen world to redeem a people unto Himself was an incredible act of kindness.
Based upon that truth, Paul reminds us of our duty as God’s children to demonstrate that kindness to others. Ephesians 4:32 states, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
The sacrificial love of Christ further reveals the difference between being nice as opposed to being kind. Nice is a superficial pleasantry typically exercised to gain social approval. Whereas, being kind goes deeper. It is meant to demonstrate compassion. Being kind consists of thoughtful acts that help others in their time of need.
If Christ was just nice, He would perhaps feel sorry for our condition and grant us condolences on our wretched existence but that would still leave us hell bound in our sins. Thank God He was kind and became the propitiation for our sins. He removed the wrath against our sins and reconciled us back to the Father through His shed blood on that cruel cross.
The book of James helps delineate the difference between being nice and kind as well. The Apostle stated, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit” (James 2:15, 16)? It may be nice to say “be warmed and filled” but it certainly is not kind. Kindness would go the extra mile to ensure that we help clothe and feed those who are destitute amongst us.
Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, once remarked, "No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me." His quote highlights the act of praying for someone is a profound expression of kindness towards them. Spurgeon strongly believed that praying for others demonstrated genuine care and concern for their well-being. Beyond just the words, Spurgeon emphasized the importance of praying with a sincere heart, truly seeking God's intervention on behalf of others. Spurgeon also encouraged believers to actively pray for one another, seeing it as a way to build a strong Christian community.
At the American Reformation Church our commitment is to weekly pray for world missions, our nation, the church, for those needing salvation, healing, deliverance, and for each other. In this way, we are seeking to build that strong Christian community amongst us.
