What is a kindred spirit in the Bible? The term has been used to express a sense of commonalities between two people who share a similar mindset. Kindred spirits are not necessarily family members, though the term is used in this way often in the Bible. In its broader sense, a kindred spirit is someone who can connect with another on a spiritual level. The Bible speaks of kindred spirits as being people that have shared similar values, and a sense of oneness and belonging.
The Bible defines a kindred spirit as someone who has found a deep connection within another and remains equipped to spiritually encourage and empower them. This is not always an immediate experience, as it often evolves over time through a growing bond. A kindred spirit is someone who can connect and understand the inner struggles and experiences of another, as if they were their own. It is this strong spiritual relationship that forms the basis of the “kindred spirit” bond.
The Bible offers many examples of kindred spirits in action. Moses and Joshua had a kindred spirit relationship, as Joshua was willing to fight to protect the Israelites and lead them to the land of Canaan. Likewise, Neri and Mary had a kindred spirit relationship, with Neri comforting Mary during the death of Jesus and telling her to have faith. Naomi and Ruth are another example of kindred spirits, as Naomi helped Ruth, an outsider, to fit into the Jewish culture and develop a relationship with the Almighty.
Most importantly, the Bible speaks of Jesus as a kindred spirit, who was able to relate to human suffering. He walked with humanity and saw them as his brothers and sisters. As “the heart of a Kindred Spirit”, Jesus wanted to reach out and love his people and offer them his comfort and guidance.
Throughout the Bible, kindred spirits are seen as those who bring peace and understanding between people. They do this through mutual respect, compassion, and a shared vision. In the Bible, these kinds of relationships can be understood as being an olive branch in the midst of discord and a blessing to those around them.
One way to understand what a kindred spirit looks like in the Bible is to think about the relationships between Paul and Priscilla in the New Testament. Although their relationship began as one of teacher and student, their friendship grew and became more nuanced. Priscilla supported and encouraged Paul in his preaching of the gospel and her loving kindness showed in her interest in fellow believers.
Beyond the Bible, a kindred spirit can be seen in everyday life as well. Whether it is a friend, a teacher, or someone you look up to, a kindred spirit is someone who you feel connected to on a deep level. This spiritual connection can have a profound impact on our lives, as kindred spirits provide us with comfort, love, and understanding.
Spiritual Growth
The Bible speaks to the importance of making an effort to improve oneself and grow spiritually. Kindred spirits can encourage this in a variety of ways, such as encouraging one another to read scripture, engaging in meaningful conversations and discussions, and engaging in prayer. A kindred spirit can be someone who serves as a spiritual mentor, offering advice and guidance in every step of spiritual growth.
Kindred spirits are seen as a powerful source of support and empowerment, enabling us to better understand ourselves and our faith. One of the greatest gifts that a kindred spirit can offer is the assurance that even in the darkest of times, hope can be found in the presence of a fellow believer.
Kindred spirits can also provide a sense of accountability in being willing to lovingly challenge one another in their spiritual journey. For example, if a kindred spirit notices that somebody is becoming distracted from their faith, they will likely push for that person to address the issue rather than allow it to muddle their spiritual growth.
Ultimately, kindred spirits can help us to understand our faith better, serve as advocates in times of difficulty and provide us with the safety and security we need to be spiritually nourished.
Compassion For Others
Kindred spirits in the Bible often demonstrate great compassion for those who are struggling. Jesus spent much of his time teaching his followers how to be kind and humble to those around them. He instructed them to put others before themselves, and to practice kindness and grace.
Following Jesus’ example, kindred spirits can act as beacons of hope in a world full of darkness. Through compassion and love, kindred spirits can offer a safe haven for those in need and can provide a source of strength for those who feel lost.
In times of difficulty, a kindred spirit can provide assurance and guidance. They don’t only offer words of comfort but also tangible assistance. Whether it is offering a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear to voice frustration, or a hot meal to cure hunger, a kindred spirit can go beyond words and offer practical, physical help.
Compassion can often be difficult to practice and requires a lot of selfless love and dedication—a quality that is embodied by a true kindred spirit.
Fellowship
The Bible speaks of how fondly God desires friendship and fellowship with his people. This highlights the significance of friendships in Christian life, and the need for us to cultivate relationships with other believers.
Having kindred spirits who share similar values is a great source of encouragement and assistance in our faith journey. We can come together to enrich one another and gain greater insight into our beliefs and values. Having kindred spirits that understand our journey and will support us in prayer can also make all the difference in difficult times.
Most importantly, having a kindred spirit can bring us closer to God. Through cultivating a deep friendship and having honest conversations, we open ourselves up to a greater understanding of God’s love and grace.
The Bible demonstrates the importance of having a kindred spirit who can give us the spiritual sustenance and encouragement we need. Whether it is a family member, a teacher, or a friend, the Bible speaks to the importance of finding a kindred spirit who can help us to cultivate a closer relationship with God.
Mercy and Forgiveness
The Bible speaks of the need for us to offer mercy and forgive one another. In the presence of a kindred spirit, we can practice this deeply. We can learn to forgive those who have wronged us, and offer grace and understanding in the event of an offense. Kindred spirits can give us the courage to follow this path of mercy, for it is not always an easy task.
Similarly, kindred spirits can help us to learn to forgive ourselves. It is easy to attach our identity and self-worth to our mistakes and shortcomings, but a kindred spirit can challenge us to see ourselves in a more compassionate light. Kindred spirits show us that we are also worthy of mercy and that we must learn to love and forgive ourselves as well.
Through their presence, kindred spirits bring tenderness, mercy and understanding into our lives. This is a powerful reminder that God’s love knows no bounds and extends to everyone, no matter how far away we feel.
Uplifting Encouragement
As believers, we have an obligation to practice uplifting encouragement. In the Bible, we see how Jesus encouraged and motivated his followers. Kindred spirits can similarly offer us encouragement when we are struggling, or when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances.
Having a kindred spirit reminds us of God’s infinite love, grace, and mercy and reassures us that we can get through difficult times. It is comforting to know that even on the darkest days, there will still be someone who is willing to listen, understand, and support us.
Many times in the Bible, a kindred spirit served as a source of strength and faith. In a similar way, having a kindred spirit in our lives can be a blessing that reminds us of God’s never failing support.
Be The Kindred Spirit
To adopt a kind of kindred spirit, we must be willing to reach out to others and offer love and kindness. We must be willing to offer words of encouragement as well as practical assistance. We must practice selfless humility and show respect to those who are in need of help.
Most importantly, we must be willing to listen and understand the struggles and needs of others, without the expectation of something in return. To become a kindred spirit to those around us, we must learn to have compassion for our fellow human being. We must strive to emulate the example of Jesus and reach out to heal the hurts of those facing adversity.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us about the power of kindred spirits. Through Christ’s unconditional love and sacrifice, we have been given an example of what it means to be a kindred spirit. We have been empowered to go out and spread kindness and show grace to those who are in need of it. To become a kindred spirit is to practice love and humility in a way that honors God.
