Solomon - “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” (Proverbs 3:3-4)
There’s been a resurgence of meanness in our world in recent years. People have become very selfish to the extent that many have forgotten how to be kind to others. What many have forgotten is that people are drawn to kind people. There are even t-shirts and bumper stickers with the slogan, “Kind People Are My Kind of People.” As Christians, it is no longer an option for us to be unkind toward others. The Apostle Paul writes, “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) So, what is kindness?
Kindness is love in action. The Apostle Paul writes that “Love is patient and kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) Kindness is a practical expression of love towards others. It is treating people like we want to be treated by others. Why should we be kind to others? Because the Lord has told us to do so. But here are 3 other reasons:
We should be kind because God has been kind to us. The Apostle Paul writes, “But when God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:4-5) One of the reasons we’ve been able to experience the forgiveness, freedom, and fulfillment of the Lord is because of His kindness. The only reason we can look forward to Heaven is because of the Lord’s kindness.
We should be kind because we want others to be kind to us. When we’re kind to others, most people will be kind to us. The reverse is true as well. If we are unkind to others, they will in turn be unkind to us. King Solomon writes, “Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly.” (Proverbs 21:21 GNB)
We should be kind because we want God’s blessing. King Solomon writes, “Your kindness will reward you but your cruelty will destroy you.” (Proverbs 11:17) Some people believe that if they are kind to most people that they will be rewarded by the Lord, but according to the Bible, it’s not enough to be kind to people we like or to those who like us. The Apostle Paul writes, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone… and be patient with difficult people.” (2 Timothy 2:24).
Followup Activity - In your journal or on a piece of paper, make a list of those to whom you need to express kindness in the coming week and make an intentional plan for your kindness to each one. If you’re leading your family through this devotion, complete the above exercise as a family.
Prayer for Today - Lord, help me to show kindness to everyone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.