Fake Kindness

We find many different things happening around the birth of Jesus that teach good life lessons and possibly expose our hearts. One is the visitation of the Magi to find Jesus. Here is the story. Matthew 2: 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ² “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ⁶ ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For from you will come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

The Magi were on their way to see Jesus, and Herod secretly called for them, wanting to get the exact time the star appeared, so He could know where the baby was born. Herod seemed to be kind and even said his reason for wanting to get the location of the birth of Jesus was so he could come and worship Him. Matthew 2:⁷ Then Herod secretly called for the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” Herod gave them the impression he was innocent in his motives and just wanted to worship like everyone else, but He was vindictive in his motives. Herod was presenting a Fake Kindness, that had other motives.

Vindictive(def) - having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge. Herod's pride that had elevated him to his place of leadership made him willing to do anything to keep his throne, and showing a fake kindness was nothing, as he would "get the baby" in the end, and his vindictive heart was driving the ruse.

Revenge is a terrible act that is driven by a prideful, mean spirit that is the opposite of how we are to live as believers. On one hand, we see Herod lying and presenting His fake kindness to get what he wanted at all costs. On the other hand, we see the birth of Jesus, who would never show that kind of hatred, but showed a genuine love that passes all understanding. If we are truly trying to be like Jesus, then a vindictive spirit driven by revenge will not be seen in any of our actions, words, or motives. That kind of "true kindness" should be our goal, and any kind of vindictiveness is wrong at its core.

It's your choice: fake kindness like Herod, and a heart of revenge, or true love, like Jesus, with a heart of love. God says choose the heart of love and leave the revenge to Him. Paul wrote the following to those in the church in Rome. Romans 12:¹⁹ Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Be kind. Rewind and be kind. Rewind, be kind, and make sure it is free of a vindictive heart that drives fake kindness. The church in Ephesus got this letter on the subject,

and it says in Ephesians 4:³² Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

The Pilgrimage Continues,

David Warren