Is it really that important for us to say nice things? How about showing acts of kindness to others? Are we even really equipped to do such a thing or do we need to be trained or take a course?
Well, as a child of God, being kind is very important and we are already equipped and expected to carry out this act of being Christ like.
Be kind and patient in a way that everyone can see.
Philippian 4:5
To be kind in responding to unsettling circumstances, it really helps to be patient. They actually work quite well together.
God also views our acts of kindness to be very significant….so much that He instructs for them to be seen by all. To be seen by others is not to brag nor showboat ourselves. Think about it….being kind to someone simply demonstrates who Christ is and how He would respond. That’s meant to be shown to as many people as possible.
Jesus expressed kindness through His compassion. He set the example for us to follow. Even when being mistreated, Jesus did not lash out in anger, rudeness, nor harsh words. He spoke with kindness that brought unexpected calmness to challenging situations. Would you like to really surprise someone who has hurt you, especially to those who know they have? Show them some kindness and they’ll be shocked while you gain healing in your heart.
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
2 Timothy 2:24
Harsh words, hurtful actions, and demonstrations of anger happens to those around us….even to the ones we love. There’s an old phrase we would say growing up that said….if you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all”. Many arguments would never take place if we bit our tongues and held our actions. The need to fill empowered to say and do whatever you feel like takes control for many in our world today.
Kindness to everyone is expected from those who serve the Lord. Applying patience in how we respond helps make that happen. A wise method to help is to take time to ask God how you should respond before giving a quick response that you might regret.
I can hear someone saying as they read this…..”I don’t have time to concentrate on being kind to others when I have so much going on in my life.” I get it. I feel that way at times….we all do. But if we take a moment and think of how much time it typically takes to be kind, well……not much.
A word, smile, polite gesture, hold a door, carry a bag, pick up an extra item when shopping, press a button to make a donation, a quick text…and on and on.
We all might not be gifted in being an outstanding helper, but we all have been given the ability to be kind.
If you speak words that help people, they are like good food.
Proverbs 18:20
Remember to be kind to other people. Share with them the things that you have. God is happy with sacrifices like that.
Hebrews 13:16
Jesus was kind.
We have the One who expressed that kindness to others living inside of us! You and I have what it takes to be kind to others simply because of the One who dwells within us…..to all who call Him Savior. There is so much good in us and it needs to be shared!
You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
1 John 4:4
We all have been given the ability to be kind.
You have what it takes to be kind today. One word. One glance. One simple act of being kind can make someone’s day and yours as well.
Be proactively kind. How encouraging it is to receive a good word or deed. Start your own Be Kind Ministry and watch what God will do!
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