Kindness might be difficult to pin down but we all know when we experience it. The tender warmth of a kind person can lift our souls. Nourished by the Holy Spirit, kindness can blossom through us to bless others.
When Jesus hung on the cross , He asked His father to forgive the people who were seeking His crucifixion. That is love and kindness in its purest form, forgiveness and compassion on those who seek to hurt us. This is very hard. We can’t do it without His help. We will never learn how to be kind until we put the needs of others ahead of our own. It means caring for others and that takes patience, the time to listen and consider their hopes, dreams and perspectives. That’s where kindness starts.True kindness is Spirit produced.
Galatians 5:22 NLT – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness
We all have to work on our kindness. Like on your commute to work are you kind to other drivers , or want to yell at the one who cut you off or is tailgating you? I’ve been here. Doesn’t matter if they hear you or not. When watching a talent show do you make comments on their appearance, lack of talent? Work on it. You’re tired of snapping at the other person? Do you avoid people who are going through a rough season because you don’t know what to say? When people are going through a difficult season, the worst part is going through it alone. Take time just to be there for them, show kindness by preserving the dignity of the people you are around.Your words don’t matter as much as you think. Kindness is a spiritual gift. It is important that you use it and do it gladly. Reach out to others just as you are. When we ask Jesus to produce in us kind hearts that overflow through kind lips we are open to the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in your heart will do the work.
God has given each of us gifts to benefit other people. I am so grateful for people who are talented in areas I am not. God blesses us so we can bless people around us. When we attach God to the good work of kindness it first seeks to bring people into the kingdom. Second, it seeks to help create disciples. Third, it brings people the benefits of the Kingdom in the here and now. Kindness sets you apart. It’s a mark of God’s Spirit in our lives.
Let’s look at people the same way that Jesus sees us. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus’ kindness was a deep seated compassion that aimed to heal, feed, forgive and serve others. We are to be like Him. He was kindness in the flesh. It is powerful and changes things. His kindness takes up residence in the minute we surrender to His love. Kindness isn’t an option or suggestion. It’s a command from Jesus. If you are a follower of Jesus you must love and be kind to everyone- whether you like them or not. Love unconditionally, forgive them totally and consider them very valuable.
The truth is by ourselves we can’t always be kind. We need Jesus’ help. Kindness is a deep, unwavering love and compassion that is given to everyone even those who might not deserve it. Usually when someone is treated with kindness, they are more likely to respond with kindness. It creates a ripple effect. Kindness breeds kindness.
Lord please forgive me for the times I have been unkind. Help me to extend grace to everyone. Help me value others as much as you value me. Help me to forgive others totally as you have forgiven me. Give me a heart full of sunshine and kindness. Thank you Father.
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