We live in a world where true kindness seems hard to come by. We live in a world full of bullying, selfish behavior, corruption, and doing "good" deeds for people's own personal gain. It can sometimes feel like there isn't much pure kindness full of humility or truly good intentions anymore. Often it is much easier to want people to be kind to us than for us to actually be kind to others. But kindness is one of the fruit of the Spirit, so it is obviously important to God, and if it is important to Him, it should be important to us. So if we children of God are called to kindness, what does that look like?
The word kindness comes from the Greek word chrēstotēs which means "benignity, tender concern, uprightness." Broken down even more, the root word is chrestos which one part means "useful" and the other part means "action." Kindness comes from the heart and is shown through actions that help others in all circumstances. The Bible describes what kindness looks like in Philippians 2:3-4:
"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Additionally, the kindness described in the Bible is often associated with two other qualities: love and mercy. Therefore, the kindness we show to others should be based in the same love and mercy that Christ has shown to us.
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." - Titus 3:4-5
This kindness is impossible to emulate on our own. It is in our nature to act in a way that benefits us more than it helps others. We want recognition, but that is not what Christ calls us to. That's not how Christ showed kindness.
Christ is the model of kindness. His kindness led Him to take compassion on others and perform miracles, teach the Truth, and help others.
"When He went ashore He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things." - Mark 6:34
God's kindness is what led to the possibility of salvation, as Romans 2:4 says:
"Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"
Because of God's kindness, He provided a way for us to be saved. Because of His kindness, we can have hope for a better future. Because of His kindness, we can know Christ as Lord. Because of His kindness, we can have eternal life in heaven with the Creator of the Universe.
And because of His kindness, we are called to show His kindness to others. This isn't always easy. It requires compassion and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32). Forgiveness is not easy, but it is a way to be kind and show God's grace to those who need it. It's even harder to forgive and be kind to those who are against us (2 Corinthians 6:4-6). It's hard to be truly kind to those who we do not like or who have done us wrong or who we don't agree with, but we are called to be kind still. God shows His kindness to everyone because He loves us all equally. He showed grace to us and showed it to them, so we should do the same. We should be kind because we should love them as ourselves. Showing kindness will show God's love, which is why it is a fruit of the Spirit. Show love and be kind to all. Who knows, maybe it could change someone's life.
