The Kindness Of God

Are you kind? Where does kindness come from? Let’s talk about the transformative nature of kindness, and it’s Source.

peonies in a basket

Who is the kindest person you know? This person is a rare gem in today’s world. The Bible says that God is kind. Let’s talk about how this quality draws people to repentance and to His eternal kingdom and why we should be kind like Him.

When you think about someone who is kind, what good qualities are you thinking about.

Kindness, in human terms, is defined as affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, caring, and generosity. Wonderful and selfless qualities to have.

Let’s talk about real kindness and its source.

What The Bible Says About Kindness

I have such a love for studying the Book of Romans! There are many verses in Romans that have impacted my life in profound ways.

One verse, in particular, has attached itself to me, and I find myself thinking and meditating on it often! It’s one little thought out of probably hundreds of deep truths in this rich book. But when I read this verse, I had a real lightbulb moment. And the lightbulb has stayed on!

Here’s the little verse that has affected me so much…

OR DO YOU THINK LIGHTLY OF THE RICHES OF HIS KINDNESS AND TOLERANCE AND PATIENCE, NOT KNOWING THAT THE KINDNESS OF GOD LEADS YOU TO REPENTANCE? Romans 2:4


The Amplified Version of this verse says…

Or do you have no regard for the wealth of His kindness and tolerance and patience [in withholding His wrath]? Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]?

This part of the verse really has stuck with me… KNOWING THAT THE KINDNESS OF GOD LEADS YOU TO REPENTANCE.

It’s not the threat of hell or God’s eternal show of power or His wrath that leads us to repentance but God’s kindness! Wow! 

It’s Greek To Me

The Greek word for kindness is “créstos” (khrase-tos´). It has the idea of being useful and pleasant. The word créstos is such a rich word. It combines the idea of being not only kind but good. Nothing comes close to this word in our English language.

It is God’s créstos that lead you and me to repentance! It is what makes us turn from evil and sin and disobedience and run straight into God’s open and waiting arms. Why wouldn’t we want to run towards kindness?

Here’s why the word crestos is so amazing…

God’s Kindness

The word of God says in Romans that the entire whole world is under the wrath of God because of our sins against Him. God hates sin, and as a just and righteous God, he must judge sin! But He is a merciful and compassionate God and wishes that no person would perish.

So He is tolerant and patient in not judging our sin. He will hold back his just and right judgment to give all of us a chance to see who HE is and recognize our sin and repent (turn back to God and away from our sin, and to sincerely tell God you are sorry) of them. 

Instead of giving us what we deserve right now, God is kind! He is kind and good to us. 

Matthew 5:45 b says…

FOR HE CAUSES HIS SUN TO RISE ON EVIL AND GOOD, AND SENDS HIS RAIN ON THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS.

The idea of rain is also the idea of blessings that are tied up in the goodness of God. It is through God’s grace that blessings rain down on people who do not deserve them. And why? Because it is the KINDNESS OF GOD THAT LEADS TO REPENTANCE.

Kindness Is Not A Free Pass

In saying this, I must add a warning. God is tolerant and patient, but not forever. At some point, He will have to judge evil. His perfect character demands it. But He holds back that judgment as a supreme kindness to all of us so we can come back to Him!

It is the kindness of God that draws sinners to Himself.

Spirit Led Kindness

Here is the thought that I cannot get out of my mind… am I kind like God is kind? Am I holding back my wrath towards people in order for them to see any godly kindness in me?

I know in myself there is no kindness/goodness. It is a fruit of the Spirit. But do I let the Holy Spirit lead my life in a way I can show godly kindness to a hurting world?

Or do I condemn the world? It is NOT my job to condemn. God’s very word says that the world is under His wrath. Wrath is a big, heavy, and scary word! Those who do not know the saving grace of Jesus don’t need me to add to God’s wrath. They are already condemned! They need me to show God’s kindness/goodness because it is the kindness of God that leads to repentance.

The more I choose to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life, the more I can develop true kindness/goodness! 

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF-CONTROL. AGAINST THESE THINGS THERE IS NO LAW. GALATIANS 5:22-23

I don’t see wrath, meanness, self-righteousness, finger-pointing, and hate on this list, do you? I see patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control, and more! These are all qualities toward my fellow man.

God gives His own enough of these fruits (good works) so we can share them with a dying and hurting world. 

I’m asking God for a double portion! I want to splash the living waters of kindness and goodness on a thirsty, dying world. How about you?

How About YOU

Are you kind? Not in a worldly sense but the kindness that really matters, a Spirit-led kindness! Will you join me in showing God’s kindness to the world? It is the way to repentance!

This is a verse I am revisiting again to spend time memorizing and thinking about. Will you join me?

OR DO YOU THINK LIGHTLY OF THE RICHES OF HIS KINDNESS AND TOLERANCE AND PATIENCE, NOT KNOWING THAT THE KINDNESS OF GOD LEADS YOU TO REPENTANCE? Romans 2:4

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7 Comments

  1. Debbie Atchley says:

    Very, very well said. Thank you for the post.

  2. Oh Yvonne, just by following your blog, I know you are one of the kindest people in this world! I love how you use Sundays for your “special writings”. I’m joining you in splashing kindness this week. ❤️

  3. I do understand Biblical kindness. I did have a wonderful mother who also taught me to be kind and I was blessed with several friends who were the “kindest”. All of these people are in Heaven but I will never forget their kindness and they were there when I really need kindness. Thank you for a wonderful post and blessings and kindness to you.

  4. Thank you for your prospective and pointing out and helping me to stay focused on showing a more spirit-led kindness in this crazy and as you said hurting world we’re living in…

  5. Amanda Holz says:

    Amen! I love this!

  6. Roxanne Greenway says:

    Like yourself, I will always remember Romans 2:4. Have you ever considered creating another blog dedicated to the scripture? I always look forward to your Sunday blog. Thank you for your kindness. Peace be with you and your family.