Showing unconditional kindness is one of the most fundamental aspects of being a Christian. With the world often modeling a sort of faux-kindness which is exchanged for favors, Jesus demonstrates kindness that is bestowed as a free and unfettered gift.
Indeed, if there is one staple mandate and instruction we should live by as followers of Jesus it is this: be
So why is kindness so very important?
Kindness heals others
Our words are powerful and wield the power to build up or tear down.
“Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit,” reads Proverbs 15:4.
When we choose to speak words of kindness and encouragement over those around us, it provokes a well of joy to spring up within their souls. As a result of this, deep spiritual healing can occur.
Not only this, but simple acts and attitudes of kindness can have a profound effect on the spiritual lives of those who do not yet believe. They provide a snapshot of the love, care
As the 19th Century English hymn writer and theologian, Frederick William Faber said, “Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.”
Kindness heals you
It is amazing to see what profound effect the outward expression of kindness can have on you. The other morning, I was out walking with my son when I came across a lady who had fallen over and hit her head. After seeing the amount of blood pouring down her face and asking to take a look at the wound, it became clear that she required immediate medical attention.
Along with a man who had stopped his car by the side of the road, I reassured the woman and organized transportation to the local Accident and Emergency facility. Frightened, overwhelmed and possibly a little concussed, this dear woman just needed a bit of kindness and care in a situation that had come as quite a shock.
While she clearly benefited from this chance encounter, I was struck by just how quickly the incident shook me out of my navel-gazing. Prior to turning that corner and being confronted by a blood-soaked sidewalk, I was caught up in futile worries and pointless rumination — something I tend to do more often than I should.
However, after this chance encounter, where I was led to show kindness and forget myself for a moment, I was immediately compelled to keep my eyes peeled for anyone else in difficulty or a situation in which they required assistance. My worries melted away as I fixed my eyes
Kindness brings us out of ourselves, helps us maintain focus on the other, and heals us of our insecurities in a profound way.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
Kindness reflects the heart of God
God the Father personifies kindness — it is in His very nature. He is kind from the waking of the dawn to the setting of the sun. Without fail, every single day, He is kind and He is faithful.
The Scriptures attest to this character trait, often referring to it as “loving kindness” — His constant provision shown to his people, His unending and relentless love to all and, most eminently, His grace shown through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord.
These wonderful demonstrations of kindness should be gratefully received and, crucially, bestowed upon others through our behaviors and attitudes. When we comfort someone who is grieving, when we feed someone who is hungry, when we welcome an
As Christians, we must remember to be kind to everyone, regardless of their situation. Truly, we may never know what some people are dealing with behind closed doors, but one thing is for sure: God does. God knows absolutely everything about each one of us, and He sees our responses. He sees what is in our hearts, and He is watchful of how we treat others
So, may we be faithful to the instruction given to us by God to “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly” with Him, and may we demonstrate the Lord’s kindness to those around us for the rest of our days.
“If you want to be holy, be kind.” — Frederick Buechner