From the pen of Dr. Sam Jones

“Love ... is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love never fails...” (I Cor. 13:4-8).

Loving one another not only requires “long suffering” but it is kind. To be kind is to be considerate, tenderhearted, easy to get along with, agreeable, and compassionate with one another.

In Genesis 13:5-17, Moses introduces us to a fantastic example of the love which should exist between relatives, friends but especially Christians. Disagreements will occur between family members, friends, siblings, co-workers, fellow Christians, neighbors, etc. Well, these two men demonstrate to us how to handle misunderstandings or disagreements.

The narrative tells us the wealth (livestock, silver, and gold) of these two men (Abram and Lot) continued to increase. We are told that after a period of time a serious disagreement emerged between their workers over a plot of territory. The land where they were dwelling was well populated with the Canaanites and Perizzites. As a result of love in his heart for his family member, Abram handled this situation the way Christians should today handle or resolve disagreements.

He didn’t send a “hot” text message or email; nor did he think to himself, “Well, when I see him, I am going to give him a piece of my mind.” Instead he pulls him aside and says, “Please let there be no strife between you and me,” i.e., “Let’s resolve this situation the way family members who love one another should.” Family members or Christians who love look for opportunities to be kind to others. Paul charges in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another...”

Paul Harvey once told the story of a man named Coleman whose car was damaged by a woman who had passed him too closely on the highway and sideswiped his car. After they had pulled over to the side of the road to wait for the police, the woman broke into tears. “It was my fault” she admitted. “But it’s a new car – less than two days from the showroom.” She thought to herself, “How am I going to explain this to my husband?” Mr. Coleman is sympathetic but explains they needed to exchange information. She reaches into her glove compartment to retrieve the documents in an envelope...and on the first paper to tumble out, in a heavy masculine writing were these words: “In case of accident, remember, Honey, it’s you I love not the car.” This was a display of kindness!

What’s love? Love is kindness!