Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 28: Numbers 24-27; 1Corinthians 13

Scripture: 1Corinthians (NIV) 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Observation: Love is not kind because someone else is kind. Love is kind because love is kind. It is the nature of love to be kind. Love treats others with respect because they have value. Through actions, kindness is expressed as gentle assistance. Through words, kindness is expressed as encouraging appreciation. The kindness of love is best seen when it is clearly not in response to the kindness of others. Kindness should be a distinguishing characteristic expressed to the children, the aged, and all in-between. It should even govern how we treat our animals. Truth should always be spoken in kindness.

Application: Kindness that flows out of the love God has placed in my heart should be seen by everyone. The older I get, it seems to me that I should be more loving and kind. The longer I walk with Jesus, the more of His character should be visible in my life. (How could a person who has walked with Jesus for 50 years be less kind than when they had only walked with Him for 10 years??? Leon, that is a good question!)

Prayer: Holy Spirit, work Your kindness in my life. I pray that the limitations of aging will not make me unkind and impatient. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!