“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
“Your necklace is beautiful,” I said while gazing at a glass teardrop hanging on a simple black string around my friend’s neck.
It was a stunning display of colors — green, blue, purple and yellow — uniquely spun together.
Before I could even blink, she unfastened the necklace and handed it to me. “I want you to have it,” she said gently cupping her hands over mine.
I have treasured that gift to this very day.
It was a pure act of kindness. A blessing to both the giver and the receiver.
Just the other day, I was in a similar situation.“I love your bracelet.”
I wore African attire to church. I had the perfect bracelet to tie in with the outfit. It was a custom piece with yellow circular beads and an oblong wooden bead.
“I love it too,” I thought to myself.
We smiled.
Then somewhat jokingly I replied, “You know those people who take something off and give it to someone who’s admiring it without hesitation … well, I’m not one of those persons.”
For a fleeting moment, I was conflicted. Still, we chuckled, smiled and went our separate ways.
People will tell you that I am a nice person. They will tell you that I always have a bright smile and kind word for someone.
Yet, there is that part of me that struggles to be kind more often than not.
It is the tug of war we all encounter living out our faith. To be or not to be loving and kind.
Kindness is an admirable quality to be cultivated every day. According to Charles Stanley, “kindness is a selfless quality that always considers what’s best for others whether they deserve it or not.”
Being kind requires us to put aside our personal motives and desires. It challenges us to be more considerate of other people.
Being kind is an inside out job. Our hearts and thoughts must be sincere. Then our actions will show that we value and respect other people.
Being kind has several benefits.
For one, it strengthens the bond between two individuals. It is an emotional tie that signals to someone you are worthy just as you are.
Another benefit is that kindness increases our happiness. Being kind to others triggers joy. We feel good about ourselves and are smiling more often when we are kind.
Kindness generates optimism and positivity.
When we are kind, we also increase our self-esteem. Kindness reveals our compassionate nature. There is a certain sense of pride that comes along with being kind and doing good for others.
And finally, kindness is contagious. The kinder we are and the more kind acts we conduct, the more we influence the people around us to also be kind and do kind things.
You may be like me and periodically struggle with being kind. The good news is we can still work on ourselves.
If you desire to become a kinder person, meditate upon the following Scriptures.
- Psalm 145:17 — “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.”
- Proverbs 3:3 — “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”
- Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 —”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
What other Scriptures can help to cultivate a spirit of kindness? What kind act did you do today? Please share your thoughts in the comments section, I’d love to hear from you.
References:
Stanley, Charles. “The Beauty of Kindness.” 24 Apr. 2017. In Touch Magazine. https://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/a-word-from-dr-stanley/the-beauty-of-kindness. Accessed 27 Feb. 2018.
Evelyn Summerville
