Last time, we discovered 3 ways to stay strong and trust in God in the battle. If you missed it, you can read it here. Now, we are being reassured of God’s kindness, even when we don’t deserve it.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be the recipient of endless kindness? People giving the right of way instead of cutting you off, a smile as you’re served at the coffee shop or receiving a smile if you’re serving (although we should be kind to that person who hasn’t had their caffeine yet), being forgiven for that huge mistake you made or forgiving instead of resenting for the slight you received.
And wouldn’t it be wonderful if power and kindness went together in our world? So often it seems the opposite. Those who have power wield all sorts of nastiness.
Yet, Almighty God, who has complete power over heaven and earth and all that happens in our world, also has unlimited and endless kindness, mercy, and grace.
Everyone wakes up each morning and is showered with God’s kindness.
“He gives his best,” says Matthew 5:45 MSG, “the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.”
Not only that but God’s greatest kindness is shown in giving his only Son so we are free from death and sin. No matter what we have done, how much we still mess up, and regardless of how long we ignore him, God’s favor is on offer for us all the time and at any time.
God’s kindness, through the warmth of the sun and the love of Jesus, his Son, is the victory he gives us wherever we go.
The victory given to David, that we read about in previous weeks, is not because David was special or more holy than you and I, and therefore deserving of God’s kindness. David was no different than you and me. Yet, we see God giving him victory because God is gracious, merciful, and kind.
David knew this (Psalm 51:5) and trusted in God’s kindness. You and I can do the same.
David said: “Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy … You’re the One I’ve violated, and you’ve seen it all, seen the full extent of my evil. You have all the facts before you; whatever you decide about me is fair. I’ve been out of step with you for a long time … (Psalm 51:1-5 MSG).
God is kind to everyone, even those who are unkind and undeserving. But, God is especially kind to those who trust in him. Not because we are special in any way, but because he is merciful and gracious when we recognize we need his kindness.
Use this prayer to trust in God’s unlimited kindness:
Pray
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for the unlimited kindness you show to me. Your kindness makes the world spin and the sun rise each morning. I thank you for your endless mercy and forgiveness that is as fresh as each sunrise. You are amazing in your kindness in answering my requests and giving me victories small and large. Amen
The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
Psalm 145:17 NLT
he is filled with kindness.