[165]. A Message From A Poem – Kindness In The Christian’s Pain

[165]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – KINDNESS IN THE CHRISTIAN’S PAIN

We all need kindness, but not everyone can give kindness. Some find it too hard because of their backgrounds, and some are just so selfish they are incapable of it.

Kindness is a special gift when it is given in a sacrificial way, not wanting acclaim or some kickback.

“Life is mostly froth and bubble

Two things stand like stone:

Kindness in another’s trouble

Courage in your own.”

Those words were written a little over 150 years ago in a poem called “Ye Wearie Wayfarer” (1867). (Author – Adam Lindsay Gordon) (Australian poet, horseman, mounted policeman, politician, and police officer – died 36 when he shot himself.). Did he fail that last line?

We are fickle in out kindness but God is not. God’s kindness is ongoing, and solid with no wavering or partiality to His children.

Kindness is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit but some of us find it hard to cultivate that fruit – {{Galatians 5:22 “but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness,”}}

What a great future lies ahead of us the Lord Himself has mapped out – {{Ephesians 2:7 “in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in KINDNESS toward us in Christ Jesus.”}}

God is kind to us but we must be kind to one another. In this next verse Paul selects 5 qualities that must pertain to Christians. Here they are – {{Colossians 3:12 “As those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, KINDNESS, humility, gentleness and patience;”}}

This poem is mainly about the kindness of God to us. It explores that gracious benevolence to the redeemed children of God in our need and pain. There is none other who understands our troubles and conflicts and hurt. Jesus is the Great High Priest. This poem is meant to be a comfort for Christians. Even for me it is a touching poem. I too, need it!

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KINDNESS IN THE CHRISTIAN’S PAIN

Loving, caring, wonderful Lord,

Sit with me and comfort me in trial.

Sometimes the world – it presses in;

I come to You to rest a while.

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Those Jesus loved were in despair;

You wept at Lazarus’s tomb,

Groaned within with deep emotion;

Wept at the state of people’s gloom.

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Jesus feels His people’s grieving,

And He knows the people’s sorrow;

Identifies with tragedies -

Heartaches of now, and tomorrow.

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Come, see if there be pain like His -

Man of Sorrows, full of grief.

Sin’s ugly results pierced His soul.

In His Father He found relief.

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By the sweat of our brows we toil -

Resultant outcome of the curse,

But Jesus’ pain and suffering,

Was able that wrong to reverse.

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Jesus is our High Priestly Head

Who walked the same path we take,

And because He knows our failings,

Helps us when that path makes us quake.

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Tender compassion He provides

When in the valley of despair.

He knows it all; draws alongside

With comfort, peace, and gentle care.

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No other is so wonderful;

He does not let us walk alone,

And never will abandon us;

Our sorrows taking, as His own.

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The kindness of God is unique,

And sustains us in all our pains.

In sins and in persecution,

Faithful and steadfast, He remains.

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R E Ferguson 13, 19, 27 December 2020 8-8-8-8