Divine Appeal Reflection - 138
Today, consider in Divine Appeal 138: "Encourage yourself in Me. The devil has no kindness. Be brave. I give you all the strength to pray. Take time for Me."
The Bible describes the devil as the epitome of deception and malevolence, whose intent is to lead souls away from God. Our Adorable Jesus Himself refers to the devil as a liar and the father of lies, emphasizing that there is no truth in him (John 8:44). This depiction reveals that the devil’s essence is entirely opposed to kindness, goodness, and love. Unlike God, who is infinite love and mercy, the devil's sole objective is to sow discord, cause harm, and draw souls into spiritual ruin.
The devil uses one of his most cunning strategies, which is to make temptations seem innocent or even desirable. Tricks of serenity and false comfort are nothing more than snares set out to catch and mislead souls. Because of this, Christians must always keep in mind that any solace or happiness the devil gives is fundamentally false. The devil frequently poses as an angel of light, according to Scripture (2 Corinthians 11:14), which implies that things that appear pleasant or consoling may actually be concealing more serious spiritual threats. The statement “The devil has no kindness” thus unmasks these illusions, urging Christians to be wary of anything that does not align with God’s truth and commandments.
Understanding that the devil is incapable of genuine kindness highlights the importance of discernment in the Christian life. St. John advises souls to test every spirit to see if it comes from God (1 John 4:1). This discernment is crucial, as it helps distinguish between what is inspired by divine goodness and what is rooted in the devil’s deceit. True kindness, love, and peace are always consistent with God’s teachings of selfless love and virtue. If an experience, idea, or influence contradicts the Gospel’s call to holiness, it should be seen as suspect.
Yet, amid these reflections on the devil’s relentless pursuit, there is hope and assurance in Christ. Jesus’ promise, “I give you all the strength to pray,” reminds us that we are not left defenseless. God’s grace enables us to persevere and overcome the enemy’s schemes with courage and trust. While we recognize the reality that “the devil has no kindness,” this awareness should lead us to cling even more to the boundless kindness and love of our Adorable Jesus. The power of His Word, the support of the sacraments, and His unwavering presence provide all that we need to resist the devil and remain faithful (James 4:7)
Prayer
Our Adorable Jesus, grant us the grace to recognize Your infinite love and truth. Shield us from the deceptions of the evil one, who has no kindness. Strengthen us in prayer, guide our hearts with Your light, and keep us steadfast in faith. We trust in Your boundless mercy and protection.
Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.
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