Bear Fruit Project: KINDNESS

This month we studied kindness, another segment in the fruit of the Spirit! 

Kindness is only seen through action. Someone who refrains from doing mean things can hardly be called a kind person. It is not enough. 

The world's standard of kindness is often portrayed as an anonymous, spontaneous act of kindness to a stranger or loved one. However this standard of kindness is nothing compared to the true image of kindness God is telling us to follow. God's kindness to us is everlasting and merciful. He never stops being kind to us, even as we blaspheme His name and rebel in sin. Even God's chastisement is a merciful act of kindness. 

Unfortunately the world does not see God's kindness, they are blinded by sin and continuously blame God for all their affliction. They refuse to allow God's kindness into their life and choose to live isolated from Him. 

Jesus' standard of kindness is not restricted to  random anonymous acts. He was always kind to those who were ungrateful, which includes me. In the story of the 10 lepers, Jesus healed all of them yet only one turned around and said thank you. How often we forget to thank God who does amazing things in our lives, providing all our needs and blessing us with more. 

 Jesus clearly says these words:
"For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."
Luke 6:32-35

Indeed Jesus gave His life for us while we were yet sinners. Jesus is the gentle and kind Shepherd, and we must follow His example of kindness.

One thing I found the most challenging was to lend and do good and hope for nothing 

in return (vs 35). These means don't even expect a word of thanks from the recipients. It's hard because I think I deserve praise for my effort of kindness, but true kindness should be motivated by the thought of glorifying God. Being kind is not supposed to be about fulfilling my selfish desire of self-gratification, but rather focused on magnifying God's name and benefiting other people. 

This month the YF all helped to create a new Sunday School Songbook. When we did BFP: JOY, we ran Sunday School and realized their need for new songs. So Esther and I typed and printed out 40 new songs and pasted them in this A2 display folder. We got the youths to help out during cottage meeting at Aunty Janet's house. 

Here's the front cover:

It was seriously a marathon effort. We didn't manage to finish it all in one night, but most of the cutting and pasting was done :) The decorating and titles were completed by majority of the girls who are more creative haha. 

I'm so proud of everyone's efforts, especially when I brought it to camp and the girls stayed up late to help me decorate. 

May the songs bring cheer to the children's hearts and teach them to sing for God's glory. 

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16

In conclusion, anonymous acts of kindness is hardly kind at all when we compare it to God's standards. There is no effort in getting to know the person's real needs and listening to them. There is no sacrifice of your time as usually it is only an impersonal gift of money. Thus these random acts of kindness show a self-centered attitude and is not glorifying to God. 

It's truly hard to live up to God's standard of kindness, but if we walk in the Spirit we can achieve it.