A Missing in Action Word for Christians: Kindness Toward All
- David and Marilynn Chadwick
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
by David Chadwick
Do you know what I think gives the best illustration of kindness in the entire Bible? The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10.
It is one of my favorite accounts in all of Scripture. Let’s look at it together.
If you know biblical history, you know that the Samaritans were derided by the Jews in Jesus’s day. They were absolutely hated. Despised even. They were considered the half-breeds of society.
When the Jews were in captivity in Babylon, many Jews married Gentiles who had been imported into the land. These unions produced the Samaritans, called such because of where they lived (Samaria). Jews had terribly racist attitudes toward the Samaritans and it permeated their entire culture.
Yet in this story of the Good Samaritan, a man was beaten by brigands and left for dead on the side for the road. Here is what makes this story so incredible. It was not a priest or a Levite - the professional religious people - who were the heroes of this story. The hero was a Samaritan!
The one who was most despised in those days was the one who ended up caring for the broken man on the side of the road. The Samaritan man not only stopped to help the battered and bruised individual, he put him up in a room and offered to pay for all of the expenses that would be incurred in the future. This man understood the kindness of the Lord! He was the hero of the story.
Kindness, it transcends human divisions and schisms. It loves outside of human prejudice. It sees ALL people as individuals created in God’s image.
Be kind! To whom? Everyone! All in this world are your neighbors. Yes, even those who hate you and have hurt you. And even your enemies!
Let God’s kindness evaporate all of your prejudice as you realize how much he has loved you in spite of your mess. You will begin to see everyone around you as people created in his image. Intended to be used for his glory.
As you love one another, you are actually loving Jesus!
Think about that, as you are kind to those around you.