The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. Psalm 145:17 (ESV)
This verse in Psalm 145 caught my attention as it brings righteousness and kindness together. The word translated "kind" is chasid or hasid (חָסִיד ). As an adjective it means kind, pious, godly, holy, merciful. As a noun it means a godly person. The Brown-Driver-Briggs commentary notes that it means both "because kindness, as prominent in the godly, comes to imply other attributes, and to be a designation of the godly character, piety."
So, in this Hebrew word, kindness implies godliness. Interestingly, the corresponding Greek word also combines the two attributes.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
The Greek word translated "kind" is xrēstós (an adjective, derived from xráomai, "to furnish what is suitable, useful"). It means "properly, useful (serviceable, productive); well-fitted (well-resourced); useful (beneficial, benevolent) … On the spiritual plane, xrēstós ("suitable, usefully kind") describes what God defines is kind – and therefore also eternally useful!"1
"Usefully kind" reminds me that "faith apart from works is useless" (James 2:20 ESV). God doesn't just have kind thoughts toward us, He does kindness. And so must we. Marvin R. Vincent noted that "We have no adjective in English that conveys this blend of being kind and good at the same time."2
Kind and good, or kind and godly, at the same time. In his letter to the Corinthians, recounting some hard experiences, Paul also talks about kindness.
… as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love … 2 Corinthians 6:4-6
It is enlightening that he includes being understanding, patient, and kind along with enduring troubles, hardships and distresses. I think both may need equal amounts of endurance.
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12-13 (ESV)
Yes, it takes endurance, it takes trusting completely in God, to continue loving, continue being kind and doing kindness, in the face of personal suffering and the lawlessness of this present age. It takes abiding in Jesus too. I know that I can't do it in my own strength. He said we can do nothing apart from Him. But I cling to the promise implied in that statement: if we abide in him we can do anything. Including be kind and good.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1 John 2:5-6 (ESV)
Help us walk with You, in You Lord, and be kind and good to the end.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35
1HELPS Word Studies by Discovery Bible
2Word Studies in the New Testament by Marvin R. Vincent
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