Kindness

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32).

What has happened to kindness in our society? It used to be that men would open a door for a lady. Today, if you do this, you are condemned for being sexist. It used to be that young and old alike would say “Yes Ma’am” and “Yes Sir.” It is unusual to hear these expressions of respect being used today. People at the grocery store park their carts where you cannot pass and do not bother to move them when you try to pass. Everyone is so self-centered. Anymore, very few people say “please” or “thank you.” Even the tone in people’s voices are generally mean and defiant. What has happened to kindness?

The Bible teaches that God is a “gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness” (Jon. 4:2). His merciful kindness is great toward us (Ps. 117:2). His kindness is marvelous (Ps. 31:21). His kindness is everlasting (Is. 54:8). What a contrast to the “kindness” of men!

Jesus, of course, provides the ultimate example of kindness. God showed His kindness toward us through Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:7). Paul declared that Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins was the ultimate manifestation of the kindness and love of God (Titus.3:4), not to mention all the temporal blessings He bestows upon each of us every day, whether we are faithful to Him or not (Luke 6:35).

And God enjoins upon us that we be kind as He is kind (Eph. 4:32). One way in which Paul proved his service to God was by kindness (II Cor. 4-6). As we put out of our life all those things that displease the Lord we are to put in their place, among other things, kindness (Col. 3:12). As we increase in godliness we are to add kindness to it and then brotherly love (II Pet. 1:7). Thus, we are to be “kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” (Rom. 12:10). If we truly have love in our hearts, we will be kind (I Cor. 13:4).

Throughout His life, Jesus gave us example after example of His kindness, from the washing of feet to forgiving of sins. But the best teaching He gave on the subject probably came from the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The Samaritan, even though it was not expected of him, treated his fellow man with great dignity and concern. If even the barbarians know kindness (Acts 28:2), how much more should we who are followers of Christ?

It does not really take much effort to be kind, does it? Just a smile, a simple thank you, a “Yes Ma’am” or “Yes Sir” or a “please” will make a big difference. And, generally, not always but generally, if you are kind, kindness will be returned (II Sam. 10:2; Luke 6:38). However, if we understand and appreciate the kindness of God toward us, then kindness will naturally manifest itself in our lives toward others without a thought of anything in return for it (Matt. 5:43-48; Luke 6:35).

Thank you for reading!

Eric L. Padgett