Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that the same question might apply to the general command to love our neighbors as ourselves. We must be told to do that because, apart from regeneration by the Holy Spirit (and even still afterwards), the "natural" (that is, sinful) man (or woman) is motivated entirely by self-interest, regardless of what negative or even hostile actions toward others the pursuit of that objective might involve or require.

It is the realization (through the working of the Holy Spirit) of our spiritually lost condition in God's eyes, and of the tremendous mercy and forgiveness that God has extended to us in Christ, that enables and motivates us to show that same kindness toward others.

September 16 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Grant Abbott Supporter Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

In my view, human kindness and Godly kindness are vastly different character traits.

The sinful desires of our flesh do not like this concept of kindness. If we are going to be kind to someone we expect something in return. We will only consider being kind as long as it doesn’t cost us anything.

But Godly kindness is vastly different. Consider the following passages:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7).

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:12-14).

Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again (Romans 11:22-23).

September 20 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Emo Tenorio Supporter Shomer

Jack has another timely question for our time and I humbly submit for your consideration that the natural mind set of man since at least the time of Cain and Abel is to either enslave or murder their fellow man. 
With the only way to change the mind set being a heart operation done by the Master that changes the heart itself, but also then the mind.

Some would be quick to say that what is needed is more spending on a new light bright governmental program with the correct catchy slogan. 
Forgetting the spent trillions over the decades that have created the adversarial and violent riot looting festivals we are witnessing today in various caring loving secular utopias. (Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 6:14)

Unreported is a simple fact that most of these so called martyrs of racist police were engaged in some form of criminal endeavors. Also happening in Democratic locations that have been under their operational control for decades thus growing into a monster that will not obey. 
Simply stated this spirit is the first born child of Lucifer's pride and it's name is rebellion. (Hosea 4:6; Hosea 8:1)

While the mark of a successful heart operation is a bit different indeed.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35) 

Bottom Line:
Scripture sets the line or mark that separates the secular world reality from that of the kingdom vision. So that even a blind man may feel and thereby see the difference kindness and love make.

Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: REASON and FORCE. If you want me to do something for you, you have the choice of convincing me via your word argument, or forcing me to do your bidding under threat of physical force. (Galatians 4:16)

In a civilized and moral society, people exclusively interact through persuasion as force has no place as a valid method of social interaction. 
While in an amoral society, force is the first option and a superior moral force is the thing that removes it from the menu options. (Habakkuk 1:4)

The road before us has many tribulations, boring it will not be, but be of good courage my brothers and sisters for we have a promise note in hand from ONE Who can not lie. (1 Cor 16:13)

“The problems of human society are the problems of human nature.” ~William Golding

In the Lord's freedom and love......warrior on

September 19 2020 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report