Kristi Muszik Love –
The Greek language distinguishes at least six different ways as to how the word love is used.
Agape – is the most popular one used in the Christian world, to express the unconditional love of our Beloved, Heavenly Father.
Together, we are looking at the famous love chapter in the Bible for the next several weeks. A portion of 1 Corinthians 13. I will be using the Amplified Translation. You are free to look at different translations of your preference.
4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away.
Today, we will be focusing on Love is Kind and Thoughtful.
Kind – of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person. – having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence: kind words. – indulgent, considerate, or helpful; humane (often followed by to): to be kind to animals. – mild; gentle. – loving; affectionate.
Thoughtful – showing consideration for others; considerate – characterized by or manifesting careful a thoughtful act – in a thoughtful mood – careful, heedful, or mindful: to be thoughtful of one’s safety.
Kindness
By showing kindness to others, we will reap kindness in return. Individuals may choose not to show us kindness in return, but God sees every kindness we bestow toward others and keeps a record of it.
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Proverbs 11:17 (ESV)
Kindness sets the atmosphere into harmony, so it can help limit strife to have its way. Finding ways to show love to our family members through kindness is pleasing to the Lord.
Looking for ways to show kindness toward friends and strangers we connect with brings fullness to our lives. It takes our eyes off of ourselves and focuses on those around us, helping us to become more serving instead of self-seeking.
Kindness helps bring an atmosphere for God’s love to flow, as it’s considered one of the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5.
Thoughtfulness
Thoughtfulness works hand in hand with Kindness.
Walking in thoughtfulness helps us see people as primary importance, causing us to look for ways to serve and love them as God calls us to do.
Showing thoughtfulness helps us to stand out and be known as a person who considers others.
When we walk in Kindness and thoughtfulness, we draw closer to the Lord as it pleases Him to see us serve others by putting them before our wants.
Let’s search our hearts, allowing the Holy Spirit to talk to us to see if we are walking in Kindness and thoughtfulness daily.
