I’m reading another book on Corrie Ten Boom. A phrase caught my attention today: “Trained in kindness.”

 

I thought to myself, “How does one get trained in kindness, Lord?”

 

I think surely it is true that when Holy Spirit really does take up residence in you, kindness seems to come supernaturally. It can definitely be a fruit of our relationship with Jesus, or the lack of one.

 

For some, kindness is very hard and takes a certain intentionality and self-control from the Spirit to master such a thing. Likely because they never experienced much of it growing up, so they don’t yet bear the fruit of it in their own lives in a natural way. This is another reason we need the supernatural empowerment of the Spirit.

 

We often take on the behaviors that we are used to seeing others exhibit in our lives, good or bad. We take on patterns that at times must be unlearned with Holy Spirit.

 

Yet I think there must be a true training in kindness still, whereby the Holy Ghost baptizes you with love and anguish for souls in need. You begin to discern His heart in matters and lives.

 

Callousness seems to melt away for many in this God-ordained training.

 

Yet, one of the most effective ways of being “trained in kindness” is through suffering.

 

Suffering softens you.

Suffering seasons you.

Suffering sets your sails a bit different.

 

When you’ve been on the side of suffering, you’ve learned intricate things and made many mental notes. Then God takes that same suffering and is able to use it for others if and when you allow Him to.

 

If you’ve had a lifetime of unkindness, then you’ll have a bit more heart pains for those in need of kindness.

 

You become a vessel pouring out what you wish had been given to you.

 

A suffering saint tends to be filled with more compassion and less selfishness at times if a root of bitterness has not made a home in one’s hurting heart.

 

Kindness wasn’t normal for you, so you’ve made a tremendous effort to NOT become what people were to you.

 

It’s a pained training but an unforgettable one, indeed.

 

Some are kind because they were shown kindness, so they are glad to pass it along. We often find these hearts joy-filled to extend what was once given to them. They’ll not think twice about it, it’s become a well of water for others in need. We see this in many of the actions of King David.

 

In the end, we certainly get a crystal clear picture of the true Bride of Christ as she is depicted in Proverbs 31. So it appears the “training in kindness” is an expectation of the coming Bridegroom (Jesus) for His bride who is making herself ready.

 

Pro 31:26 – She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.