Parenting By The Book Article

STUDY 219

Proverbs 19

Dear Parents,

INCULCATING THE VIRTUE OF KINDNESS

Virtues are wonderful qualities to be desired. However, they are most difficult to cultivate! The cultivation of a quality literally takes a lifetime. The following text describes the quality of "kindness"

"What is desired in a man is kindness,
and a poor man is better than a liar." Proverbs 19:22

1. Definition of " kindness"

What is this virtue called "kindness?" This word is the attribute that David extolled as something that God Himself possessed.

"Your lovingkindness is better than life" Psalm 63:3

Lovingkindness may be described as having the following features!

a) Supreme love (At the least this thought is to be found in "lovingkindness" - simply translated as "kindness in the text of Proverbs 19:22)

b) This love is always accompanied by grace

c) It is poured out on undeserving sinners

d) It is full of magnanimity

The quality of "kindness" is obviously not easy to cultivate at all, since it is an essential attribute of God!

2. Desire of the quality of kindness

Who is the one who desires this quality in man?

a) Surely God desires this quality to be in man!

b) Surely, we as parents also desire this quality to be in our children

c) Surely, we would want to see our children desiring this quality to be in their own hearts too!

EVERY ENCOURAGEMENT TO CULTIVATE THE VIRTUE OF KINDNESS

Let us do everything in our power to cultivate the quality of kindness in our children. This quality carefully cultivated will stand them in good stead in life forever! It will not be an easy quality to cultivate, but it will be worth every effort put in!

Prayerfully,

Pastor Charlie