Superkids, Father’s Day is this month. So, before we do anything else, let’s take time out and honor our SUPERDADS!
I’ll start. My dad, Kenneth Copeland, is a wonderful example of the Father to me! He has always been so good to me, being an example of all the fruit of the spirit we’ve talked about! Like my mom, he taught me to love God and, by example, showed me how to walk with Jesus.
I know that some kids don’t have a close relationship with their dad. That can be hard, but think about the granddads, uncles and other godly men who have loved, led and encouraged you. We can all honor them, too. Also, there is One very special Dad who gave you everything He has! Our heavenly Father is Dad No. 1 to us all!
So now, Superkids, stop and thank the Lord for all your dad and father figures. Think about what makes them special. One fruit of the spirit especially shows up in all good dads: “The fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action” (Galatians 5:22, The Passion Translation).
So now, Superkids, stop and thank the Lord for all your dad and father figures. Think about what makes them special. One fruit of the spirit especially shows up in all good dads: “The fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action” (Galatians 5:22, The Passion Translation).
Kindness is love that changes hearts. The Father’s kindness turns us toward Him, then OUR kindness can help others turn toward Him too. This is the power that causes people to truly forgive! It’s the infusion of Jesus Himself coming out of you that makes the difference.
Because He lives big (and EXTRAVAGANTLY) in you, that same kindness can flow through you to others. Your story with your dad (or a friend’s story) may be complicated. Yet, this mild-sounding word, this heart-melting infusion of LOVE in action, can change YOUR heart as you yield to the kindness already growing there.
This works toward everyone, even siblings, friends or enemies. You may never see the person you gave kind forgiveness to again, but God can use it to bring that person to repentance. The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–10 is a perfect example of the INFUSION KEY:
Zacchaeus was a wee little man,
And a wee little man was he.
He climbed up in a sycamore tree
For the Lord he wanted to see.
And as the Savior passed that way,
He looked up in the tree,
And He said, “Zacchaeus, you come down,
For I’m going to your house today!”
Look for the Infusion Key. The clues are in the song. Was Zacchaeus tall or short? Why did he climb a tree? He wanted to SEE Jesus! What happens when we do that? We become like Him; infused with KINDNESS. Since Zacchaeus had been a tax collector, most people saw him as a sinner, but Jesus saw him forgiven. Who would go home with a sinner? Jesus! Zacchaeus’ heart melted! He said, “Half of all that I own I will give to the poor. And Lord, if I have cheated anyone, I promise to pay them back four times as much as I stole” (verse 8, TPT).
Zacchaeus was moved by Kindness Himself to pay back more! All because he found himself face-to-face with Jesus. That’s what happens when we BEHOLD Jesus; everyone gets blessed! Kindness broke a hurtful cycle in Zacchaeus’ life and it will change your life too, as you look to Jesus to live by the Spirit. Practice on those dads…and moms. Practice on the whole family this month!
I declare this over YOU, Superkid: “The Father’s kindness leads your heart to follow Jesus, so you are infused with love in action! Your words heal, your actions help, and your life starts good ripples all around!”
Make a splash!
Commander Kellie♥