Reflecting on Acts 4:1-22“If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man…” (Acts 4:9)
The religious leaders want to know the power and the name behind this miracle.
But for Peter this was not a miracle for its own sake; it was an act of kindness.
The power and the name at work through the disciples is the powerful name of Kindness.
The Name of the Lord is Kindness, and other words similar to that.
Moses learns this meaning of God Name in Exodus 34:6-7.
Understood this way, the only way to be saved is by this kindness of God.
Salvation is found in no other way; in the name of kindness we are saved (Acts 4:12).
Jesus was rejected because He was kind to the wrong people: sinners, Samaritans, gentiles.
Yet God has made this kindness the cornerstone of His temple.
There is a power in kindness that is greater than all other powers on earth.
As Jesus followers saved by God’s kindness, we are sent to spread this kindness.
The fruit of the Spirit of Jesus in us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc.
This is how you know that someone is Jesus’s disciples, by how they show such kindness.
I’d rather not be persecuted, but if I am, may it be for being too kind.
I want everyone to know God’s kindness, and so be saved by God’s kindness!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, forgive us for turning to other kinds of power (politics, strength of numbers, violence) to 'save' people. This is not 'in Your Name', and therefore not Christian. May the only crime that we are accused of be that of being too kind!