Love is kind (v.4)

“Love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4

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Kindness is hard to define, though we know it when we see it. It’s being caring, thoughtful, and generous. It’s love in practical action. And because of that, it has the power to bring God’s love to people.

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For sixteen centuries, the writings of St. Augustine have profoundly influenced Christian thought. But he had been a godless and worldly young man, with no interest in Christ. His conversion came about through a famous preacher, Ambrose, but not through his preaching. In Augustine’s own words: “At first it was not because he was a teacher of the truth – I had no expectation that I would find that in the Church. It was because he was kind to me personally.”

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It’s not our gifts which draw people to Jesus. It’s kindness. Because that is being like Jesus. The first Christmas, “the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared to us” (Titus 3:4). And the gospel stories of Jesus show his kindness again and again. “The riches of his kindness” are intended to lead us to repentance (Rom.2:4), so that we too can come to know his love and show his kindness to others.