And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

The Value Of Kindness

What the world needs now is kindness. Mark Twain said that kindness is “A language which the deaf ear can hear, and the blind can see.” When can an act of kindness be wasted on another? It is the essential quality of showing one as friendly, generous, and considerate. Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness because it is the strongest of characteristics known to man. Someone who cannot learn to be kind is not a person of quality. While the world promotes the interest of self-worth and self-esteem to the belittlement of expressing a kind spirit, God looks down upon the act of kindness as part of His grace.

The Christian is an example of kindness. One of the traits of being a disciple of Christ is to be a person of kindness. Paul exhorted the saints at Ephesus to be kind, have compassion for others, and forgive in the manner God has forgiven them. The greatest kindness God did was to send His only begotten Son into the world to save a creature who was not deserving. Kindness is defined first by God and required of those who love Him and serve Him. Being kind is not a good idea that will garner many friends. The grace of kindness is what sets the Christian apart from the world.

It should be at the forefront of every person who names the name of Christ to learn how to be kind to others. There is more anger in the world with road rage, arguments erupting in stores, and office squabbles. Children of God should never be charged with the crime of unkindness. The heart of the Christian is molded into the image of Christ, who was kind to perfection. When people reviled against the Lord, He never responded in kind but with kindness. Letting the light of Christ shine in the world is the candle of kindness.

Every person who is a Christian should seek out opportunities to show kindness. Opening a door for someone, saying “Thank you,” being pleasant with an unpleasant cashier, and not engaging in vehicular stupidity with horns, brakes, and loud voices accompanied by hand signals. Helping people who are in need – even if they are a stranger – is showing kindness. God wants His people to be the example of kindness in a dark world that does not see kindness very often.

The character of kindness is an expression of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. To be the elect of God is to show kindness. It is a simple thing to do but carries the eternal weight of showing Christ to others. Kindness is a learned trait of goodness tempered by the calm spirit of godliness. The act of being kind is groomed through the knowledge of how much God has shown His kindness. The more a man seeks opportunities to be kind, the more grace he will find in life. It changes the heart to become softened by the nature of compassion. God expects His children to be kind, and He holds them in this regard. To be kind is to be like our Father.