How the Bible's Spiritual Kindness Comforts

Scripture offers key promises that invite deep reflection. Luke 2:14 declares, "...and on earth peace, good will toward men," suggesting a peculiar cosmic intent for harmony and benevolence toward humanity.

Jeremiah 29:11 further emphasizes this: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." This passage highlights a purposeful cosmic plan centered on inward tranquility.

Isaiah 66:13 evokes a nurturing image: "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you."

Together, these verses portray a compassionate living Mind over the individual and extending solace when needed.

The Challenge of Understanding Spiritual Fulfillment

While many who study the Bible know these passages, their deeper meaning can be elusive. John 4:24 states that "God is a Spirit," and Luke 24:39 clarifies that "a spirit hath not flesh and bones." This non-physical nature of “God” raises questions: How can an incorporeal Being provide tangible comfort, peace, or good will in a realistic way?

Consider these questions: How does a spirit, without a body, offer consistent human-like comfort? What kind of good will comes from an entity outside of humanity? Can peace stem from a source that doesn’t ultimately experience it physically? What thoughts can a non-physical being have for those bound by flesh?  

Often, interpretations lean on inherited teachings or cultural assumptions rather than the Bible’s own logic. Without grounding in its context, one might drift into speculation, forming beliefs that stray from its intent. This risks misrepresenting the "peace" and "good will" a spiritual (no-flesh-having) “God” provides.

How Does Such a God Provide Comfort?

This leads to a central question: If God is Spirit, and if a spirit does not have flesh and bones, how can or does a spirit comfort? Without a physical form, this Being’s comfort cannot rely on physical means. While traditional theology offers various answers drawn from various ecclesiastical perspectives, the Bible itself points to one solution.

 The answer is "righteousness"; not ritualistic practice, but a certain type of kindness. Titus 3:4 describes this as "the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man." Titus 3:5 elaborates: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."

It is through the regenerating of what is within, or the cleansing of what is within, that this living Mind comforts. In other words, that comfort is manifested as one executes the saying, “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace...Receive...from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart” (Job 22:21,22).

Two Forms of Righteousness in Scripture

The Bible presents "righteousness" in two contrasting ways, each with significant implications for spiritual or devotional freedom.

The first is a rigid adherence to handwritten religious rules. This form of righteousness binds individuals to external dictates, suppressing genuine devotion and personal freedom. We learn about this from how it says, “That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). Beauty from religious law is the first form of “righteousness,” and this form is false.

In contrast, the manner of righteousness within the Hebrew Scriptures restores freedom. It liberates the conversation’s inner dialogue from external constraints, granting autonomy in thought, emotion, action, and behavior. This aligns with Isaiah 61:1: "To proclaim liberty to the captives." Here, “righteousness” is not obligation but emancipating grace, in that one says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

The Gospel: Liberty Through Kindness

The gospel, or "good news," is often misunderstood as a call to emulate, whether by ritual or by religious law, a divine literary figure’s nature. Instead, Scriptures frames it as a "good will,” a kindness aimed not really at individuals, but at their inner devotional culture. This liberation from false devotion is the essence of the Bible’s philosophy, which consistently states, “...through knowledge shall the just be delivered” (Proverbs 11:9).

By viewing the Bible in its cultural and philosophical context, one can pursue its intended peace, comfort, and good will. Our experiences extend beyond traditional teachings or assumed knowledge. Religious systems often shape our spiritual lens, obscuring the deeper reality. The "expected end" promised in Jeremiah 29:11 is freedom from these doctrinal constraints to personally know the character of the Bible’s Mind, encouraging a devotion reflecting its kind will for our personal and devotional self. When studying Scripture, this pursuit of authentic “righteousness” should guide our focus, leading to true spiritual fulfillment.

Finding Strength in Humility: Understanding Acts 8:33

“In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away.” These words from Acts 8:33 reveal a powerful yet often overlooked truth about the nature of humility and personal judgment. In a world where asserting oneself is seen as a form of strength, it may seem counterintuitive to embrace humility, especially when facing criticism, conflict, or injustice. Yet, the wisdom of the living God invites us to see things differently.

The idea that humility can impact our judgment may seem strange, but it’s rooted in a deeper understanding of spiritual growth. In our human experience, guilt, anxiety, frustration, and anger often cloud our judgment. However, when we approach these challenges with a humble and quiet mind, something remarkable happens—our inner self is transformed.

The personal judgment we receive from life isn’t merely about external circumstances; it’s a mental and spiritual process. Our faithfulness to the Bible’s guidance, especially under pressure, is what truly defines our experience of alleviation and peace. By humbling our hearts and minds, we open ourselves to the comfort that comes from aligning with its wisdom, transcending the turmoil of our external trials.

The phrase, “In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away,” from Acts 8:33, speaks of the living God’s chief messenger who was wrongfully accused of treason. As Isaiah 53:12 tells us, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” But was he truly a transgressor? In the eyes of the religious leaders, yes. But his “transgression” lay in upholding the spiritual truth of the Bible’s mind over the legalistic traditions of men.

This man’s ministry emphasized the inner transformation that comes from embracing scripture’s commandments within the heart and mind. He taught that true righteousness isn’t found in external rituals but in the renewal of our inner conversation—our thoughts, motives, and intentions. This is why it says, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).

This commitment to inner right-ness (righteousness), rather than outward conformity, made this man a target for those who valued tradition over acquired wisdom. His doctrine of liberation from the philosophy of the religious law for the sake of devotional renewal was seen as rebellious, a direct challenge to the authority of the priesthood.

His journey wasn’t easy. He faced intense opposition from those who clung to their religious laws and traditions. Yet, in his humility, he refused to retaliate. “When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). This submission to the living God’s will, even in the face of injustice, is the ultimate demonstration of spiritual maturity.

The wisdom of this world often contradicts the Bible’s wisdom. Where the world sees strength in self-assertion, the living God sees strength in humility. Where the world values external appearances, the living God values the condition of the heart. “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). By humbling ourselves, we align with higher wisdom and allow the living God’s judgment, not man’s, to guide our lives.

Peter’s counsel to “live according to God in the spirit” (1 Peter 4:6) is a call to elevate our conversation—the way we think, speak, feel, and act—beyond the superficial. Our lives are not defined by the opinions of others but by our relationship with our recovering mind. The true measure of our character is found in how we manage our inner estate, especially when faced with external pressures.

The example of the living God’s chief minister teaches us that even when judged by human standards, our responsibility is to maintain a good conscience before the living God. No one has the right to strip us of the confidence that the scriptures have placed in our mind. The secret to enduring life’s challenges lies in humility—in refraining from reacting impulsively and instead committing ourselves to higher wisdom.

“In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away.” These words challenge us to reconsider how we view strength and weakness. In a world that glorifies self-assertion, the path of humility may seem counterproductive. Yet, it is through humility that we find true strength and freedom. By submitting to the Bible’s philosophical will and embracing its wisdom, we free ourselves from the burdens of self-righteousness and open our hearts to the peace that surpasses all understanding.

In our journey, let us remember that the ultimate victory isn’t found in winning arguments or proving others wrong, but in aligning ourselves with our devotional purpose. As we humble our hearts, may we find the courage to live according to the mind at the heart of the Bible, trusting that its judgment, not the world’s, will lead us to true peace.