Restored Hope Devotional: Day 4

“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy.” —Titus 3:4-5

14 Apr, 2022

God's greatest expression of love and kindness towards humanity is rooted in His eternal plan of redemption. Jesus died on a cross to pay the price for our sins, to bring us restoration and eternal life. When we put our faith in His finished work, we can be assured that our salvation is secure. We have been rescued because of God’s kindness and saved by His extravagant love displayed on the cross, not because of anything we have done but because of everything He did.

In Romans 2, the apostle Paul makes it clear that no one is excluded from God’s judgement, including the religious Jews of the day who considered themselves morally superior to the Gentiles and had become complacent in their own sin. He notes that God’s “kindness is meant to lead us to repentance” (Romans 2:4). It is God’s kindness and goodness that draws us to turn away from sin and turn towards a new life in Him.

His kindness changes us.

This kindness is something Martha, in Ethiopia, understands firsthand. Staring down at the helpless, tiny baby, Martha knew she couldn’t leave him behind. Eyob was just nine days old. Martha had arrived to attend the funeral of the baby’s mother—her sister. Her home life was difficult, with a young daughter and a bed-ridden husband to care for, raising a baby would be challenging. But Martha left with Eyob in her arms and hope in her heart.

However, life was not easy for Martha and her family. Since most of her meagre income went towards medical bills, she often struggled to put food on the table. Martha recalls clinging to her faith in God, knowing that He would provide for them. That’s when the local church stepped in. Through Compassion’s Mums and Babies program, Eyob received lifesaving nutrition, medical care and clothing. After he transitioned into the Child Sponsorship Program, he received school supplies, medical care, clothing and food support. Today, eight-year-old Eyob is healthy and thriving. Now with support from the Compassion centre, Martha has started her own business so she can continue to provide for her children.

“Kindness has a reward, and the reward is from God,” says Martha. “I always bless Eyob’s sponsors and I pray for them too.”

Kindness isn't always easy, especially when the circumstances are difficult, but through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we can always reflect the character of God to the world around us. Paul tells us that the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work in us includes kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). As we yield increasingly to the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we too can show the kindness of God to others.

In a world marked by difficulty and challenge, we can be beacons of light, spreading God’s kindness and pointing to hope in Him.