Lately I’ve been pondering the gracious action of kindness. What initially directed my thoughts toward this topic was the fact that in recent weeks I have been the blessed recipient of the kindnesses of others. What I find to be most noteworthy regarding kindness is the reality that it can be expressed in a myriad of tangible and meaningful ways. Kindness is released through words, prayers, and acts of service, both seen and unseen. It doesn’t usually require a whole lot to display kindness to others, but it has the potential to make an incredible impact in the life of another. Kindness is a beautiful attribute that reflects God’s love, a description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4, the fifth spiritual lineup of fruit included in Galatians chapter five, and a character quality that all Christ followers are called to reflect.

Truths about kindness

Kindness is to be worn…

It is an unseen article of clothing that fits every body type and looks equally attractive on every person.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Kindness is a matter of the heart…

I think it’s important to understand that kindness is a matter of the heart. Kindness begins with who we are on the inside. Although kindness expresses itself through action, the doing never proceeds the being. We must first be kind, and honestly this doesn’t come naturally, but rather supernaturally. Expressing and releasing kindness towards others begins with a comprehension and recognition of the unconditional love and grace and forgiveness we have received in Christ…

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

The two critical words in this scripture above are just as, meaning that to the same extent that Christ has expressed His kindness towards us, as a result we also must extend kindness, compassion and forgiveness towards others.

And this leads to a fundamental truth and key factor in our understanding of kindness…

The kindness of God was and continues to be fully revealed through Jesus ….

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. eternal life….
Titus 3:4 (NLT)

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead… So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:4-5, 7 NLT

Kindness is God’s intentional method for turning people from sin and to Christ….

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Romans 2:4 (NLT)

Biblical kindness is about being Christ-like…

Kindness is not relegated to simply good deeds, being nice, thoughtful or even considerate. Rather kindness, that is biblical kindness, is about being Christ-like. And to better understand and appreciate what kindness looks like, all we need to do is read through the gospels and trace the life and ministry of Jesus. And by doing so we will find the Son of God extending mercy, healing the sick, teaching the multitudes, dining with sinners, washing the feet of his friends, and setting captives free. Of course, the epitome of His kindness was displayed as He hung on the cross, forgiving His accusers, making provision for His mother, and sacrificing His life for sinful man. The reality of this truth is reason for great gratitude and praise!

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.
Psalms 63:3 (AMP)

Jesus consistently modeled kindness…

Let that reality sink in for a minute. Jesus was never rude, impatient, irritable, abrupt, selfish or mean. In the same manner that He was totally love, He was also completely kind. He was as kind to His friends as he was to His accusers, His betrayers, those who doubted, the skeptics, and His enemies.

In his final, most highly attended and widely known sermon, Jesus challenged the crowds with radical, next level teachings on a plethora of topics, including the treatment of enemies….

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
Luke 6:27-28 (ESV)

I can only imagine how difficult this particular teaching must have been for some to receive on that day, as truthfully, this remains a challenge for people today. It’s one thing to love those who are loving, to extend grace to those who are gracious, and to respond with kindness to those who extend kindness, but loving our enemies?

…that’s just not natural, and it’s clearly not normal. Who actually does that?!

Answer: Jesus did and Jesus does, and furthermore Jesus calls us to do the same.

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High,
for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Luke 6:35 (ESV)

In the early nineties, the Christian pop phrase, WWJD: What Would Jesus Do? became widely known and widely worn. This acronym was displayed on billboards, inscribed on clothing and jewelry, shared in sermons, and echoed in Christian circles. Although this phrase was in essence a fad that has now become dated, the contemplation remains relevant and valid. What would Jesus do in any given situation, is a question that should continue to challenge, motivate and spur Christ followers forward in their desire to honor God in every area of their lives. And the answer to this question will consistently be the same, just as Christ is always the same. Jesus would be gracious, forgiving, loving, merciful, truthful, compassionate, and He would always be kind. He reminds us to be the same…

Be kind to one another….

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Epilogue

Kindness on display…

Last month, I responded to a knock at my front door where I was greeted by a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a card left for me by an incredibly thoughtful, and most kind individual. I was able to catch my friend before she drove off and thank her. I was truly overwhelmed by this incredibly thoughtful gesture, as I was clueless as to what prompted this gracious action on my behalf. My sweet friend simply said, “You’ve been on my heart, and I simply wanted to bless you”, and indeed she had!

These are the beautiful flowers I received from my friend Mary Ann!