Kindness seems to be steadily eroding from our fast-paced, busy society. Why is kindness important? I revisited old blog posts recently, and my very first post two years ago talked about the “angry, fearful, and aggressive” nature of our society. So I’m continuing on my mission to spread encouragement, compassion, and hope. One way I am trying to accomplish this for myself is to pray for the Fruits of the Spirit.  I use them as inspirations and to convict me of where I go astray.  I’d like to start with one of those fruits: kindness.
We interact with a myriad of people daily- in person, online, and on our phones with texts and verbal conversations. Would you prefer those interactions to be of a helpful, thoughtful, courteous, gentle nature? Those are all definitions of kindness.
An interaction of the opposite kind would be hostile, indifferent, intolerant, mean, selfish or cruel. So it’s an easy decision, right?
I want my interactions with those around me to be pleasant and uplifting, not hostile or mean. It seems that showing kindness is more important now than ever.
We each play a part in how we treat others. We shape our own part of the world with our words and actions. Why is kindness important? Think of how different our world would be with kindness at its core!
Definition of Kindness in the Bible
There are plenty of small ways to show kindness- a smile, a compliment, holding the door open for the person behind you, a call or text to check-in. Jesus tells us that even the small things matter: “if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to these little ones…” Mt 10:42 He blesses all acts of kindness, large or small.
But He wants us to go much further than that. Jesus gives us this instruction:
Yes- he said “everything.“
Most know this as “The Golden Rule.” Jesus is telling us it doesn’t matter what someone else does to you. We are to always choose kindness. Don’t base your acts of kindness on whether you think the person deserves them.
Whatever you would want someone to say or do to you- say or do for them.
It was the way Jesus lived his life. He offers love and mercy to everyone and calls us to do the same. He gave us many examples of using actions and words to show kindness to everyone.
Showing Kindness to Others
It’s easy to be kind, especially to people we like, love, and care about. Even then, our human nature can get in the way and we treat them unkindly.
But what about our “enemies”- people we don’t like, who don’t care for us, or someone who treats us poorly.
Bless Those Who Curse You
That’s where the Golden Rule gets difficult for us. Jesus tells us to “love our enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6: 27-28. We don’t get to pick and choose from this list who to be kind to!
Jesus loves each person in the world even when they despise and reject him. While he was on earth, he prayed for them, spoke kindly to them, did not retaliate against his enemies, and wants us to do the same.
We cannot show kindness based on the actions or attitudes of others.
Sometimes it feels as if God calls us to do hard things.
I picture “loving my enemies” like squeezing through a high and narrow twisting rock wall path. It’s not easy, it may require small steps and grit to get through, but it can be done. Jesus is there with me, showing me the way and encouraging me to follow.
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It takes willpower and a spirit of kindness in our hearts to choose kindness. But the more you do it, the easier and more natural it will become. It’s a trait that needs prayer, practice, and repetition to become second nature.
Bible Verses on Kindness
“Be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” Ephesians 4:32
Jesus’ actions and words showed us how to do this, even as he was dying on the cross.
“Love is patient, love is kind..” 1 Corinthians 13:4a
An essential character of Christian love is kindness.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…” Galatians 5:22
One result of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is kindness. Cultivate it.
Micah 6:8
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness…” Micah 6:8
God makes it clear: showing kindness is a requirement.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness….” Colossians 3:12
Paul’s instruction to help us live for God each day is to imitate Christ’s kindness.
“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Titus 3:4
Why should we show kindness to everyone? Because Jesus showed us kindness when we did nothing to deserve it.
Proverbs 3:3-4 tells us “Do not let kindness and truth leave you… you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Kindness leads to respect and a good reputation.
Benefits of Kindness
The verses above show us that showing kindness is part of God’s purpose in our lives. We are to love God, and love as he does.
But kindness also has great benefits!
• It helps us connect in a positive way with friends, family, and even our enemies. Being kind can boost our own mood and sense of well-being.
•Our acts of kindness might inspire others to be kind. Our act touches someone, who reacts in kindness to someone else, and that inspires more acts of kindness. Think of your acts of kindness as planted seeds. You may not be around for the harvest but acts of kindness can grow into a bountiful crop!
•Acts of kindness towards those less fortunate than us can make us grateful. It can give us an awareness of all the blessings we have in our lives.
•Some studies have shown that kindness can make you healthier! If we focus too much on all the negativity in the world, it can depress us and cause stress and anxiety. Performing acts of kindness shifts our focus on helping and loving others.
Why is Kindness Important?
Because it can make a difference in the world. We serve a big God!
We have no clue what amazing things God can do with our acts of kindness. It could impact someone in ways we never know. One simple act of kindness could completely change someone’s perspective.
An act of kindness can bring hope to someone who feels hopeless. Our acts of kindness can be a light in a world that is hostile and indifferent.
And surely we can use more of that right now.
Encouragement for the week: Be on the lookout for extra ways to show kindness to someone this week and act on that prompting!
Blessings!
AnnMarie
“Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about….”
Photo Credits: Pixabay
A timely word on kindness. This has been my prayer for 2021. That the Lord would cultivate in me a spirit of kindness.
What a beautiful prayer! The world needs more kindness, doesn’t it? Thanks for your kind comment!
Jesus taught that the world will recognize his disciples by our LOVE, and in 1 Corinthians, we are told that love is KIND. So, God absolutely uses our decisions to be kind to show the world what his love is all about.
The world today definitely needs this love that Jesus modeled for us. It’s up to us to show it!
Working in Oncology my patients tell me all the time…Everyone here is so kind, thoughtful, and caring, you make it easier for us when dealing with Cancer to be treated so well. I always say I’m a firm believer in the golden rule. Also, we are taught to treat every patient as if they are a member of our own family. Thank you for this great post. It is beautifully written
Your patients are lucky to have such a kind, caring place to be treated for their cancer. You are living out exactly what Jesus has asked us to do! Bless you all!
Kindness is so important! It is a great way to be a “city on a hill” in today’s closed off, self-centered culture. I am so with you about kindness!
Oh, I love that verse! We need to shine brightly with our acts of kindness!
Yes, this is an amazing question. Why is kindness important? It shines the love of God to the lost world! It encourages others in their walk! Lvoe this.
Thanks Tiffany! It seems so simple, yet we seem to see less of it. Showing kindness can be such a positive way to shine his light to others.
I remember a pastor of ours from years ago once said,
“It’s easy to love the lovable….” and the implication and directive is obvious.
Great post, Ann. Thank you
What a great statement Cindy. Yes, how true! Yet we are called to so much more. Our kindnesses can make a difference!
I’m working with my oldest on this, especially when it comes to interacting with his little brother. When he wonders why is kindness important, I need to have tbese Bible verses handy.
Thanks Aryn! Siblings just know how to push each others buttons, don’t they? I love my sister to pieces and I still regret how I treated her when we were little… Glad the bible verses were helpful!
Kindness is so important, and it seems the need grows as our world becomes more negative. Thank you for this great post. It is beautifully written and makes its point.
Thanks Fleda! It was a bit disheartening to realize that not much has changed in our world in the last couple years. The more we cultivate kindness, the bigger the impact!
I feel as if I’m constantly trying to cultivate kindness in my kids! “Don’t hit your brother” “let’s use kind words” “ How do you think Jesus treated his siblings?” LOL It is definitely against our selfish, sinful nature. A wonderful reminder to keep cultivating that kindness!
LOL! I can relate… good for you for keeping up the fight to cultivate kindness! It will be something they will remember. Love the “how do you think Jesus treated his siblings?” Wish I had thought of that one!
Great post, AnnMarie! I think the more we show kindness, the more blessings we feel. It helps us to recognize those blessings and we feel more gratitude too. Show someone kindness every single day. Thank you also, for sharing my list of Random acts of kindness.
I 100% agree with you Wendy! I pray others will read these posts and use them to show kindness each and every day!