Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. Romans 2:3-5
Are you blind to the kindness being shown to you? Are you so focused on yourself, and too busy trying to ‘accomplish’ / finish the ‘job’ you’re all wrapped up in that you miss who is actually ‘ministering’ to you, and giving you kindness throughout your day? This culture seems to require a speed that is not healthy to relationship. Do you have the time to breathe and contemplate where you are, what you are doing, and who you are with, and why? Are you able to see with His eyes, and listen with His ears to the people around you… especially your spouse and family?
Do you do little acts of kindness and your spouse almost never sees it or acknowledges it? Do you really see what they are doing for you? Do you acknowledge it? Do you thank them … genuinely? Should we be doing those things for the ‘thanks’ or acknowledgement? Is that why God gives us kindness? Kindness when given to us and we realize it … should humble us. We should realize that people ACTUALLY love us. We need to realize within us that God loves us … everyday …deeper within us. Let’s begin to be aware with His eyes and ears and thank those who are actually showing us kindness.
Recognizing kindness should breed gratefulness within us. Truly receiving kindness should quell the ‘complaining’ and discontentedness in us. Receiving kindness deeply should bring all those fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) behind kindness to bear in our lives (goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit the difference between His kindness and human kindness?
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you His kindness towards you. Ask Him to help you grow His kindness within you. We are often more ‘kind’ and courteous to others than to our own spouse. Why is that? Familiarity? (see devotional on Does familiarity breed contempt in you?) This fruit is displayed majorly by Jesus. His whole ministry is filled with stories of His kindness to others.
What little acts of kindness is the Holy Spirit directing you to do? Then do them. And accept His recognition and not worry about the human recognition. Give, pray, and fast in secret to God for His approval alone. Do the acts of kindness towards others without resentment, complaining, grumbling, or expecting anything in return. For what you do in secret in obedience to Him will be rewarded by Him.
…so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:4
Be grateful. For much kindness has ALREADY been given to you. Or are you blind to it? Don’t be stubborn towards the Holy Spirit.