Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "kindness". We'll look first at 1 Peter 1:5-7 for one type of kindness:

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. KJV

This phrase comes from the Greek word "philadelphia". Strong's Concordance says: fraternal affection. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: the love of brothers and sisters, in the N.T. the love which Christians cherish for each other as 'brethren'. Another similar word is found in Acts 28:1-2:

1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. KJV

This is the Greek word "philianthropia". Strong's Concordance says: fondness of mankind, benevolence (philanthropy). Both of these forms of 'kindness' are great, positive ways to respond to people. The really important "kindness" is found in these verses: 

2 Corinthians 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, KJV

Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. KJV

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; KJV

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. KJV

THESE are all the Greek word "chrestotes". Strong's Concordance says: usefulness, moral excellence (in character or demeanor). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: moral goodness, integrity, benignity. The Theological Dictionary of the N.T. says: denotes God's gracious attitude toward sinners, the fullness of salvation in Christ, the experience of the love of God that is manifested in Christ and shed abroad by the Spirit works itself out as 'chestotes' toward others, a fruit of the Spirit. This is the kindness that we are to show people that will lead them to want to know JESUS! It goes beyond just being 'nice' or 'friendly' to people. It shows the selflessness of God to them. There is power in that! This is what attracts people to you and your family! THIS is BEING a witness and not simply 'witnessing'! Actions really do speak louder than words. Our responsibility is to be putting God's Word in so that this WORD becomes part of us, changing us more and more into His image. Then our actions reflect His nature and draw people to HIM! There is such freedom in just being ourselves and living our lives FROM His presence! You do it well! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with another new song called "As I Am":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!