Taste the kindness of the Lord!

   - if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:3

   This is a condition for all that is called relationship with God!
   Noone can have anything at all to do with God, that is, live with God, without have tasted His kindness!
   But where, and by what, is this kindness revealed then? How do I taste it?
   Is it for instance, by a good feeling in my inner being, a feeling of deep peace and glorious joy! Is it by a particular glorious spiritual experience? Is it by a singular help in need, or by an evident answer on a prayer?
   All of this is things that fades away again, the feelings is constantly changing, and special experiences can be, and is, called in question: Was it really God who met me in this, after all? - I am seeing that people in other religions has that kind of strong experiences too! And if God heard me and helped me that time, what about now, today? I surely haven't been like I should etc.
   No, the kindness of God is - and we thank Him for that! - revealed in something totally different, testifies the Word: «By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.» (1 Joh. 4:9).
   The kindness of God, His love, is revealed by this, the Word testifies for us here, and that accordingly by something that has happen, and never can be changed again! Something unchangeable!
   But - maybe you will say - that God is kind and full of love, I surely believe, but it is so wrong with me! - I fail!
   Then the Word says further: «In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.» (1 Joh. 4:10).
   Have you now began to taste the kindness of the Lord? Here it is revealed unto you!
   As you begin to believe what is written, the feelings will surely not fail to appear, neither of peace nor joy, but all in the right order. To see the kindness of God revealed in Jesus Christ, our savior, is always first, and the reason, the cause for everything else in the Christian life!

E.K.

Holy Bible New American Standard Version
Translator: E.K.