The Treasure of Kindness: One Another Part 2
We’ve heard and seen it-the sarcastic remark disguised as humor, being ignored in a group conversation, or watching a driver swerve into the parking spot when you had your turn signal on.
But we have easily spotted the opposite- kindness- a word, attitude, or action that changes the people and the atmosphere in a room for the better. We might call it friendliness, warmth, and gentleness. It may accompany care, concern, and generosity. Sometimes it’s seen as taking the higher road when another is rude or mean-spirited.
Though kindness is gentle, it is far from weak. It often requires grace under pressure, and self-control in a difficult conversation.
Like gratitude, kindness has positive effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health. It is also part of our spiritual growth, and profoundly affects our spiritual life and interactions with our “one anothers”.
February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. It’s a day to especially focus on kindness. But, just because a day is designated, does that mean it’s optional on other days?
Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Kindness is an outcome of being Spirit-filled rather than focusing on ourselves and personal agenda.
Kindness is part of our wardrobe. “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12. When we wear it, others notice. It’s an appealing fashion statement. Unlike clothes we rotate in our closets, we can wear kindness in any season.
Kindness should be a trademark of our lifestyle, reflecting the lavish gifts we have received: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Kindness is a choice: “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3 In any moment, on any day, when we make choices, let’s reach for kindness.
Kindness is admired and promotes healthy relationships. “What is desired in a man is kindness.” Proverbs 19:22
“…we have often tended to value smart over kind and being right…. It’s not that we can’t be both kind and smart or kind and right, but on those occasions when we have to choose between them, choosing kind is also our path to peace.” Donna Cameron author of A Year of Living Kindly
Kindness is part of character growth. “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 Developing these qualities leads to effective and fruitful living.
Kindness can be a response to difficult people in our lives and those with whom we have a conflict. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; Matthew 5:44. Sometimes, kindness can be an act of courage and restraint.
Words, including an outsider in a conversation, deferring in a parking lot. What’s on your list? How will you invest in kindness on February 17, and on the remaining days in the year?
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop.
The Conversation
Love the expanding you have on this word. Kindness is just a word until we put feet on it. Then it becomes a powerful action. And I love the thought of it being a fashion statement. Boy does kindness look classy on us.
Thank you. Many qualities are words unless we do them. Bob Goff wrote a book, Love Does and discusses love is action. I agree kindness is classy and timeless. Marilyn
I love – kindness is part of my wardrobe. Which means to me, it may not just be there automatically – I may have to deliberately “put it on” each morning when I wake up! And on a bad day, I may need several layers of kindness!!! Thanks, friend, for sharing!
Thanks Julie. I wrote a devotional book a few years ago–Dressed up Moms’ Devotions to Go where each devotion looked at our wardrobe and accessories–kindness is one. We wear unattractive accessories too–that will be another discussion. Thanks for joining this one. Marilyn
Being kind to others is easier, I think, than to those nearest us. I struggle to this day in holding family members to the same high standards I hold for myself. I get as upset at them as I do myself. In reality, I should extend even more kindness to them than I do a complete stranger. For that matter, I should perhaps extend it to myself at times. Lots to think about here my friend. Thank you
It can be a struggle and we are most real in our closest circle. I try to remind myself of God’s kindness and grace to me, so who am I to limit my kindness to others.Thanks for being so transparent. Blessings, Marilyn
Loved your emphasis on kindness. Our world would be so much better if everyone made the choice to be kind. From within our families and loved ones, to strangers we meet, to kindness between nations. Thank you for reminding us how important this trait is and the need to put it in action.
Thank you Katherine. It’s a choice and when we are kind, regardless of the recipient’s response, we feel better. Marilyn
Isn’t every day a time for kindness? Thank you for showing us the different biblical aspects of kindness.
You’re welcome. Yes, every day. It’s not an option. Marilyn
Kindness is so important and so overlooked in our society today. We need reminders like these to keep us on track and take inventory of our attitudes. Great post, Marilyn!
Thanks for stopping by, Barbara.I appreciate your comment. Marilyn
Marilyn, thank you for rich Scripture study of kindness. The following is powerful: “Though kindness is gentle, it is far from weak. It often requires grace under pressure, and self-control in a difficult conversation.”
This is a great post, Marilyn. I’ve sometimes wondered what words people would use to describe me. There are several that frequently rise to the top, but always, I pray that people might find me kind. I don’t live up to that word all the time, but it is a word i think about a lot. And in the moments that I’m listening to the Holy Spirit, I think of that word before i speak.
“Sometimes, kindness can be an act of courage and restraint.” These words hit home. Sometimes being quiet and honoring that way can be the best next step.
Interesting isn’t K.A. how the fruit of the Spirit are intertwined. Thanks for sharing. Marilyn
[…] the last two posts, we discussed the privilege we have of “one another”. Though following the Biblical […]