Kindness: More Than Just Being Nice
Kindness: More Than Just Being Nice
In a world that often prioritizes self-interest and personal gain, the concept of kindness can seem quaint or even naive. Yet, true kindness - the kind that flows from a heart transformed by God's love - has the power to change lives and reflect the very nature of our Creator.
Kindness is more than just being nice or polite. It's a reflection of God's goodness and generosity towards us. When we truly grasp the kindness that God has shown us, even when we were far from Him, it should naturally overflow into our own actions and attitudes towards others.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 2:4, "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance." God's kindness isn't just a feel-good attribute; it has a purpose. It's meant to soften our hearts, melt our stubbornness, and lead us to turn away from our old ways of living and embrace His ways instead.
This transformative kindness is beautifully illustrated in Ephesians 2:1-10. Paul paints a stark picture of our lives before Christ - dead in our transgressions, following the ways of the world, and deserving of wrath. But then comes the glorious "but" - "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."
God's kindness doesn't stop at saving us. Paul goes on to say that in the coming ages, God will continue to "show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." There's more kindness to come than we can even imagine!
However, this kindness isn't meant to simply make us feel good about ourselves. We are saved by grace, through faith, but we are saved for a purpose - "to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." When we truly understand the kindness God has shown us, it should propel us outward to show that same kindness to others.
This active kindness is seen throughout Jesus' ministry. In the feeding of the 5,000, we're told that Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were like sheep without a shepherd. His kindness moved Him to action - teaching them and then miraculously feeding them. Even in this miracle, we see how God can use our small acts of kindness (like the boy who offered his small lunch) to bless multitudes.
The early church in Acts 2 provides a powerful example of how kindness can transform a community. After being filled with the Holy Spirit, the believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. But their devotion to God overflowed into radical generosity - selling their possessions to help anyone in need. The result? "They enjoyed the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Our kindness, when it flows from a heart transformed by God's kindness, can be a powerful witness to the world. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Kindness breaks down barriers in a way that few other things can. As Mark Twain insightfully said, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." When we show kindness, especially to those who may not expect it or feel they deserve it, we reflect the heart of God to a world desperately in need of His love.
So how can we cultivate this kind of transformative kindness in our lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:
1. Reflect on God's kindness to you. Spend time meditating on scriptures that speak of God's kindness, like Titus 3:4-8. Let the reality of His undeserved favor sink deep into your heart.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of kindness in your life. Remember, this is not about striving in your own strength, but allowing God to work in and through you.
3. Look for opportunities to show kindness, both big and small. It might be bringing treats to your coworkers, reaching out to someone who's going through a tough time, or finding ways to bless your community.
4. Be intentional about kindness. While spontaneous acts are great, also consider planning specific ways to show kindness each week.
5. Show kindness even when it's difficult. Following Ephesians 4:32, practice being kind and tenderhearted, forgiving others as God in Christ has forgiven you.
6. Remember that small acts can have big impacts. Like the boy with the loaves and fishes, offer what you have to God and let Him multiply its effect.
As we practice kindness, we may not always see the results immediately. But as Mother Teresa said, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Our acts of kindness, done in obedience to Christ and empowered by His Spirit, can have ripple effects far beyond what we can see or imagine.
In a world that often feels cold and uncaring, let's be people who shine brightly with the warmth of God's kindness. As we do, we may find that not only are others blessed, but we ourselves are transformed more and more into the image of our kind and loving Savior.