Faith and The Blessing of Kindness

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Two weeks ago I went to a restaurant supply store to purchase some items for a young adult/senior ice cream social that our Senior Life Ministry is coordinating. It is not a place I frequent, so I am not familiar with all they sell. It was amazing how many of their employees took the time to ask me if I was finding everything I needed. Now that happens in other stores, but it was the sincerity of their inquiry that made the difference. Three different employees stopped what they were doing to ask me if I needed help! I felt seen and appreciated. There was something about how each of them asked that put it in the “kindness” category. Yesterday, as I was visiting my friend at her rehab, came to help adjust her IV. As she was leaving, she turned and asked if we would both like a cup of coffee! She took the time to bring it to us! It was my friends first day at this facility and this act of kindness blessed us both.

Acts of kindness necessitates us looking outside ourselves. I’m inspired often by my sisters Mary and Marie and their acts of kindness. Mary purchased a dozen small crosses to simply give to children for Easter. Marie is helping her neighbor with young children by taking the older ones to school. Their hearts are turned outward.

Jesus demonstrated kindness continually. Feeding the various multitudes, taking time to heal the sick, cast out demons and teaching the disciples were all acts of kindness. Kindness actively helps promote the welfare of others in some manner. It sees a need and fills it. It has the possibility to change someone’s day.

But there is an amazing scripture that hadn’t registered in my spirit before, until I did a study on kindness. It is: a man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts themselves. Proverbs 17:11 ESV. Yes, according to scripture, when we are kind it not only benefits others but benefits our own selves! Science actually proves this. They have proven that it reduces stress, lowers our blood pressure, and releases oxytocin and dopamine. It can reduce depression and anxiety. There is a thing called “helpers high” which comes when we help others.

Kindness is contagious. Have you ever held a door open for someone else and watched them hold a door for the next person? Or letting a driver into a lane causes others to do the same. Kindness can cause a domino effect. It strengthens relationships. Families that encourage kindness among themselves are more peaceful and happier. Helping children develop kindness is so well worth it. Some children are naturally born more aware of the needs of others. While others, have to be encouraged to think outside of themselves…most of us I think!

Godly kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is something that increases as we stay attached to the vine. Part of our God’s nature is His kindness. The demonstration of His long suffering shows forth His kindness. The Lord is good to all, he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145.9. Of the course, the greatest example of His kindness is the gift of His Son Jesus and our salvation. When we deserved death, He gave us life. Ephesians 2:7 says: So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

Young children often struggle to be kind to each other. Immature adults often do themselves. When we are insecure, proud, or feel entitled, it is difficult to think of others. Life becomes all about us, doesn’t it? Kindness is definitely not the first thing we think about. Learning to walk in His love, acceptance and grace can help us look for ways to be kind to others. My friends, is it time to ask the Lord to help you learn to be kinder? To be intentional is looking out for the needs of others? It will not only be good for your soul–but also for those you are kind toward.

This is not something we should overlook or under use. Spending kindness takes time. It can reap wonderful benefits that we might not ever see. Unfortunately, being unkind always takes a toll on relationships. It can cost our influence for the Kingdom, something none of us want to happen.

Father, thank you for helping us grow in this area. Learning to be kind can be hard, because we must put others first in our thoughts and our actions. Please teach us, my Lord, in Jesus’ Name. amen.