It Starts Small

Our modern day definition of kindness is to show one’s self mild. Kindness is a lifestyle, daily practice, and a choice. Being kind should be faithful service, a default mode, a habit of goodwill, and a heart that continually serves others each day.

Kindness requires intentionality. Kind acts are often on the sport acts of love, in the moment and are unplanned. Specific or planned, kindness requires being continually ready to serve. Kindness is not done when we feel like it or when we think about it. 

Kindness requires intentional looking. When love is the motive for our hearts, we continually seek out the needs of others. For three years, Jesus looked to the needs of others and never turned others away. 

Ponder: How many people and opportunities to show God’s love do we miss each day because we are too busy and wrapped up in ourselves?

God’s Word is full of great examples of people showing kindness towards others.

Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37
Abraham shows hospitality to strangers Genesis 18
Rehab hides spies Joshua 24:17-19
King David spares Mephibosheth’s life 2 Samuel 21:7
Jesus healed the sick and fed the hungry Matthew 14:14-21
Zacchaeus gives to those in need Luke 19:1-10
Woman who pour perfume on Jesus Matthew 26:6-13

Not only does God show us people who preform kind acts, He gives us instructions on how to be kind and why kindness is important:

 ²⁹ No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29

Kindness builds another up. 

³¹ Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. ³² And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Ephesians 4:31-31

Kindness imitates God’s example of forgiveness.

³⁵ But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil

Luke 6:35

Be kind to your enemies. 

²⁷ When it is in your power,
don’t withhold good from the one to whom it belongs.

Proverbs 3:27

Always help those in need.

³⁴ “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35

Kindness reveals the reflection of Christ to others.

A gentle answer turns away anger,
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Proverbs 15:1

Kindness heals relationships.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:22

Kindness is a reflection of God’s heart!

So this brings us to the question, what is the difference between kindness and niceness?

Kindness is proactive and a care-oriented actions.

Niceness is a reactive action and I-oriented.

Kindness moves beyond feelings and conveniences. It is a deliberate choice to support or encourage others.

Niceness is being pleasant but doe not require “pain,” Niceness rarely makes a lasting difference or impression.

Kindness is inconvenient. It costs a person something: time, effort, comfort, pride, etc. Kindness is the intentional act of sacrifice that makes it meaningful. 

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