The Love Series Pt 3: Kindness

Did you know that it cost nothing to be kind to people. So why are many people unkind?

When you think about kindness what does it look like to you? A kind gesture? Being generous?

The Oxford dictionary says that kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate or an act of kindness.

I have a friend and I would say that she is kind. More so than me. I actually admire this girl because no matter what she is going through or how people may treat her she always gives people the benefit of the doubt. This is a very good quality to have as being kind demonstrates our love for people.

“Love suffers long and is kind;”

~ 1 Corinthians 13:4 ~

God showed us kindness first and this is because He loves us.

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,”

~ Titus 3:4-5 ~

Are you reflecting the kindness of God?

Have you ever met a person that was just rude? How would you feel knowing this person was actually a Christian? When you act in this way as a Christian, it is hard for people to differentiate between you and somebody who does not know Christ.

It is not in our human nature to be kind. That is why Galatians 5:16 tells us that Kindness is one of the Fruits of the Spirit and that we should walk in the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

~ Galatians 5:22 ~

Kindness in your speech:

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.”

~ Proverbs 31:26 ~

Every time we open our mouths it is an opportunity for us to speak edifying words of wisdom to those around us.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

~ Colossians 4:6 ~

We can even be kind in our speech when correcting someone or addressing an issue.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

~ Proverbs 15:1 ~

Being kind to your enemies:

Kindness is a lifestyle and involves being nice to people who do not particularly like you. People will hurt you, yes, but it is through the love of Christ in us that will overlook offences and still be kind to people anyway.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,”

~ Matthew 5:43-44 ~

It doesn’t take much to do something nice for somebody you care about, but how about that random person you know nothing about, or that person who was rude to you. How far are you willing to be kind in these circumstances?

“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?”

~ Matthew 5:46-47 ~

I would say that I am a people’s person, however at times my grace goes as far as how I am treated. This is why you have to be intentional about how you treat people.

Colossians 3:12 tells us that we should put on kindness like we are putting on clothes. What does this mean? It means that kindness needs to be a way of life.

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;”

~ Colossians 3:12 ~

If you struggle with being kind to people, these steps may help you.

1. Love People:

Make it a choice tolove people as God loves you. Remember this is one of the greatest commandments so make this your focus. By doing this people will know that you are a disciple of Christ.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””

~ John 13:34-35 ~

2. Bless People:

Every morning ask God what you can do to bless somebody, whether this is giving generously or giving someone words of encouragement.

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you.”

~ Proverbs 25:21-22 ~

3. Do Good to People:

Do good to people, despite how they may treat you. Always strive to resolve conflict and even extend compassion to those who have hurt you. Remember, hurting people, hurt people, so if somebody has hurt you, it’s likely that they have been hurt first.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

~ Romans 12:21 ~

4. Pray for People:

It is not actually possible to dislike someone who you are praying for. I went through a stage of struggling to like an extremely difficult person. Cussing them out did not work. Slandering their name also did not work. I began to pray for this person and let me tell you, prayer works. The more you pray for people, the more soft your heart will become towards them.

People will always remember how you treat them and how you made them feel. So be kind. Cultivate the heart of the Father.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

~ Ephesians 4:32 ~

Remember!

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

~ Aesop ~

Stay blessed and encouraged.

Nkay

xoxo