SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Titus 3.

Scripture

“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared…” Titus 3:4

Observation

Kindness: Good will; benevolence; the disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses. Kindness ever accompanies love (Webster).

God’s kindness led Him to come save us. We are not saved by our own merit of good deeds but by His grace motivated by His kindness and love.

In context, kindness shows up amidst our total unworthiness. Verse 3 talks of how sinful we were before salvation. Other references to God’s kindness follow this same theme:

Luke 6:35 : God is kind to evil, ungrateful men

Romans 2:4 : His kindness leads evil men to repentance

1 Peter 2:3 : Put aside malice if I’ve tested the kindness of the Lord

Application

Be kind to people–especially those who are not worthy of it. Remember, I, too, was once lost, ignorant of God, selfish, proud, hateful and bound by sin. And I didn’t even see it until God opened my eyes. Treat others with the same kindness with which God treated me.

Prayer

Father, I thank You for Your kindness and love toward evil, ungrateful men. You showed kindness to me when you saved this poor, ignorant, blind sinner. I’m grateful.

And I desire to be like You. Help me show Your kindness…

• when people are mean to me
• when people mistreat me
• when people speak evil of me
• when people make fun of me
• when people are in need
• when people don’t deserve it

Might I never hold a grudge. Might I never seek to get even. Might I have a kind disposition toward all. And might Your kindness in me–shown to evil and ungrateful men–lead to the salvation of many and prove to bring  great glory to You!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.