December 30, 2013

The Word I read was clear: verses like “The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.” (Ps 145:13), “Note the kindness of God” (Rom. 11:22). The songs I listened to were clear: “his heart is kind” (“10,000 Reasons,”), “His helping love no limit knows, Our upmost need it soundeth.” (“From the Depths of Woe” [Ps 130]).

But I wasn’t feeling it. Stress was high. There were disappointing circumstances, some of which involved the kids. Financial pressures. Job pressures.

I did my duty (reading Scripture and listening to Christian music), and believed that what I read and heard was true. BUT it applied to everyone else – not for me.

Then I considered Lk 6:35 “he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil,” and the light broke through. In my fallen nature, I tend to define God’s kindness and goodness by how he answers me in the way that I want. Like an ungrateful teenager (which was one of the discouraging events plaguing), I veiled my eyes to the kindness God had showed me, and my hardened ungrateful heart denied the kindness of God.

But he is still kind – even to the ungrateful and the evil.
Thanks be to God. Jesus gave his life for people like me.