Articles
Kindnes
Kindness
Not long ago I read a statement that started me thinking about kindness, “It’s a short trip—Love life and be kind.” Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22); brotherly kindness is one of the things we are to diligently add to our faith (2 Peter 1:7). As the chosen of God, we are to have a heart of kindness (Colossians 3:12). We are instructed in Ephesians 4:31-32 to put away things that are deplorable and be kind one to another.
I wonder how much pain and heartache would be eliminated in our lives if everyone adhered to this divine injunction to just be kind. How much of the enmity that arises between individuals, within families and even among brethren would never take place if plain old kindness ruled the day. Kindness is defined as being disposed to do good: an act of goodwill, being considerate, loving and sympathetic. Kindness is one of the most beautiful qualities of our lives and it is an unfailing mark of the child of God. My friends, kindness is not a matter of choice for the child of God, it is one of the primary requirements to be a child of God.
Kindness has the power to remove obstacles and open doors of opportunity. It will often conquer when all else has failed. I believe that kindness is one of the great keys to all successful human relationships. It just seems to me that true happiness and peace in this life will never be ours without a daily practice of lovingkindness. We actually become the beneficiary of the kindness we show to others because it will fill our hearts with a warm glow of contentment that will inspire us on to greater efforts in our service to the Lord. A heart of compassion and kindness has the power to bless not only the receiver but the giver also.
Being kind shows a disposition on our part to always do good to others. Because of our individual limitations, there will be some things that, perhaps we will not be able to do in our Christian walk but, my friends, there is at least one thing that everyone of us can do and that is to have a heart of compassion and kindness toward every person we encounter on this earthly journey. In fact, I am convinced that a spirit of lovingkindness is one of the ways in which we by example let our light shine so that others will be influenced to glorify God (Matt. 5:16). Kindness is without a doubt a great way for us to be examples of those who believe and follow God.
Today, we serve a God who is ready to pardon, who is gracious and merciful, who is slow to anger and who is of great kindness (Nehemiah 9:17). If we want to be pleasing to him, we will follow his example and be a forgiving people, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and have hearts overflowing with kindness. Someone once said, “Kindness is not a sign of weakness, rather it is a sign of courage and strength.”
Yes, it is a short trip we are on so love life, obey and serve God to the best of your ability and be filled with kindness every step of the way. To God be the glory forever and ever, Amen!
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
