The Kindness of God

GOD VALUES KINDNESS BECAUSE HE IS KIND.

Bible Reading of the Day: Read Psalm 145:17-21.

Verse of the Day: “Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

Janna studied her reflection in the dressing room mirror, then stepped through the curtains to show her friends.

Tammy shook her head, smiling. “That dress makes you look like your mom!” she said, stifling a giggle.

Janna looked confused. “What do you mean?” she said. She stepped in front of another mirror. “I think my mom’s pretty!”

“Yeah,” said Gretchen, “but who wants to look like her mom?”

“It could be worse,” Tammy said. “The last one she tried on made her look like her dad!” Both girls laughed.

Janna shook her head and turned sideways to look at her reflection from a different angle. “I like it,” she said. “I’m going to buy it.”

That evening, Janna told her father about the incident in the clothing store.

“You’re right,” Dad said. “Your mom is a very pretty woman.”

“I know,” Janna said. “They were just trying to be funny.”

“You do look like your mother, you know,” Dad said. “You’re both beautiful.”

Janna smiled shyly. “I look a little like you, too,” she said. “Everybody says I have your nose.”

Dad ran a hand over his bald head. “At least you don’t have my hairline!” he said, chuckling. Then his face got serious. “I’m glad you got your mother’s good looks, but you know who I want you to look like even more?”

“Who?” Janna asked.

“Your Father-your heavenly Father. I think you resemble him more and more each day, and that makes me really happy. I think you even resembled him when you were in that store, when you refused to say unkind things about your mom and dad.” He winked lovingly at Janna. “You see, Janna, God is kind. Kindness is a part of his nature. The Bible says his lovingkindness lasts forever. It’s just a part of who he is. And when you’re kind-whether you’re kind to your parents or your friends or somebody you don’t even know-you look and act like him … no matter what your friends say about your clothes!”

Janna smiled. She laid her head on her dad’s chest. “Thanks, Dad,” she said.

TO DO: Using Psalm 136 as a pattern, take turns listing the many things that show God’s kindness. (For example, one person may say, “He gave me loving parents,” after which the whole family responds, “His kindness lasts forever.” Someone else may say, “He sent Jesus to die for my sins,” and then all respond, “His kindness lasts forever.”)

TO PRAY: “Lord, thank you for the kindness you showed by sending Jesus to die for us. Help us to be kind this week in many practical ways.”