The Truth About Kindness

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.  Proverbs 11:17

There is so much cruelty in the world today.  We see it on the news every night.  People being hateful to each other, to groups with differing beliefs, to their families, and to themselves. There is cruelty to children and animals, and yet, if you asked each individual if they consider themselves to be a kind person, most would probably say yes. 

Today's society believes that it is acceptable to be unkind when it suits us and to only be kind when it suits us. We are a self-serving, self-centered people.  Sometimes we even seem to be kind on the outside when inside we are thinking hateful thoughts.
 
It is difficult to be kind when someone in the car next to you flashes an unkind hand gesture.  It is difficult to be kind when your co-worker takes credit for your work or the person that bumped into you doesn't even say 'excuse me'.  In almost every situation today there is a chance that someone will be unkind and it is difficult, even for Christians, to react with kind thoughts and deeds.  Our thoughts may immediately jump to a negative response which is sometimes followed by an unkind action.

Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.  Romans 11:22

Christians are called to a higher standard than the world.  We are to be unselfish, Christ-centered people.  We are supposed to think kind thoughts in addition to being kind on the outside.   

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18

This may seem like we are allowing the world to take advantage of us or walk all over us, but  look at Christ's example.  His love and understanding of the people and why they did what they did was so great that He could be kind even when He was in great pain at His death on the cross. 

Besides the world being under the powers of darkness, we don't know what each unkind individual is going through, why they act as they do, or what evil has hold of them.  They are God's children.  He loves them and wants to bring them into a right relationship with Him.  Our reaction to their unkindness could be a turning point.






Kindness is one of those traits that is not within our own power to generate.  We can imagine being kind.  We can fabricate it, but we cannot bring it into being without God's help.  The Holy Spirit is the helper that will strengthen us and help us to bring forth the fruit of kindness.  

Having received the Holy Spirit when we accepted Christ into our hearts, we have access to the fruit of kindness and if we seek it diligently and practice daily, it will become a natural part of our being.  Having Christ as the center of all is the key to being kind to those around us. 

We can begin by showing kindness on the outside and shutting down those negative thoughts that don't come from God.  Immediately saying a quick prayer for those that have caused us to think unkindly, and a prayer for ourselves, can turn us from unkind responses inside and out.  Over time this fruit will grow, not only in our actions, but in our hearts. 

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

Kindness manifests itself, not just in giving, but in tolerance, good will, and understanding of other's actions and beliefs. Sympathy and grace are part of kindness, not just when we are in agreement, but especially when we are not.  The truth about kindness is that it is not easy. 

Christians can struggle with kindness, but we have the Holy Spirit to help us produce this difficult fruit so that the world will see Jesus.  Let kindness be our witness in all that we do and say.