“The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly…What is desired in a man is kindness” (Proverbs 18:23; 19:22).
Wealth and its pursuit can easily bring forth the worst in people (1 Tim. 6:9-10). It can put brothers at odds with one another over an inheritance (Luke 12:13). It also can make people rude and condescending with others, especially with those they deem beneath their status.
Being kind to others, regardless of their income and social status (or lack thereof), is an immutable law among the virtuous (Prov. 31:26, 10). Kindness is a clear indication of one’s character.
God is love (1 John 4:8), and love is kind (1 Cor. 13:4). Therefore, God is even kind to the unthankful and evil (Luke 6:35).
Jesus in an incarnate example of God’s love and kindness (Titus 3:4). He and the redemptive spiritual regeneration God provides through Him (Titus 3:5; Eph. 2:1-7) are historical, tangible evidence of the exceeding riches of God’s grace and His kindness to all people, irrespective of each one’s social status (Gal. 3:28-29).
In light of God’s kindness, the fruit of the Spirit called kindness (Gal. 5:22) is essential. The elect of God—holy and beloved—are to be people of tender mercies, kindness, humility, and meekness (Col. 3:12).
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children” (Eph. 4:32-5:1).
