Some examples of ways to show kindness include: Give true compliments (not flattery) to others to help brighten their day. Pastor John offers five ways forward when forgiveness feels impossible. But when we hold onto grudges, it only serves to bring more negativity into our lives. These acts of kindness may seem insignificant, but they have the power to brighten up someones day. Though Gods tender mercies and lovingkindnesses are often taken for granted, His servants recognize His hand. Used by permission. Listening helps us gain insight into peoples true feelings, hurts and hopes which enables empathy where necessary. I am looking to the Holy Spirit to bear his fruit in my life. It strengthens relationships and fosters communication between individuals seeking resolution. Regardless of what others may say or do, we can choose to respond with love and compassion at every given opportunity. It is a show of mercy and love to other human beings with no thought of reward. This story is an example of how God rewards those who are kind to others. God calls us to love not only our friends or family members but also our enemies. We must remember that when we extend grace towards others, we are ultimately extending it towards ourselves since God forgives our own sins when we ask for His mercy. A few, simple, kind words can completely change the attitude and course of the day. By being present for others, practicing forgiveness and acts of service, and prioritizing our own self-care, we can reflect Gods love and grace towards those around us. Kindness Begins at Home - Christian Articles Archive - Joyful Heart Acts 20:35 says It is more blessed to give than receive, illustrating how by giving without expectations we experience blessings ourselves. But as Christians, we are called to forgive and extend grace to others. The universal principle of brotherly love is revealed in several books of the New Testament. We dont know what everybody goes through behind closed doors; therefore we should never look down upon anyone based on our prejudices. In her memoir about the journey from being a committed lesbian to a committed Christian, Rosaria Butterfield says that, as a non-Christian, her impression of evangelical Christians was that they were poor thinkers, judgmental, scornful, and afraid of diversity. In this chapter, the Bible brings to light the thick darkness of depression. It's patterned on the love of Christ and aims to promote holiness. Whether its donating time or resources to charitable organizations or surprising a friend with a thoughtful gift, generosity goes a long way in spreading happiness and hope. Take a look at what, according to Scripture, accompanies true . Eddie Foster was born in Ohio, and after living in several parts of the northeastern United States, he once again lives in the Buckeye State, most likely for good this time. Sometimes it can be challenging to forgive someone who has hurt us or extended a hand of friendship to someone who has wronged us in the past. So, slow down, make the time, and look for the needs of others. When we spread joy and positivity, it not only benefits those around us, but it also uplifts our own spirits. Whatever form your kindness takes, remember that it has the power to change someones life for the better. When your heart is tender, it is easily affected. God bless you too! In Colossians 4:6, Paul writes, Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.. This is just one example of the many acts of kindness she showed! A firm foundation in Scripture helps to guide our personal interactions, allows us to be the light in the world that we seek to be, and keeps us from tearing others down thoughtlessly: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. May we all develop the same type of love and kindness God has for us. Changing someones life even if just in a small way is an incredible reward that comes from selflessly lending your time, resources and gifts without expecting anything in return. As Christians, we are called to be kind and forgiving. I was in shock, and honestly, Im still in shock. Yet there are also many people who let others go ahead of them in line, compliment those around them, hurry to open doors for people, sympathize with others misfortune and show their humility and willingness to serve others. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I come before you with a heavy heart, seeking your guidance and perspective on a recent incident that has left me feeling like a failure as a Christian. The Spirit flows in the channels of faith. Or: "I didn't hear it." Christian Kindness: How to Choose Kindness In A Hostile World As LOVED children! When we approach others with love and respect regardless of background, belief system, or lifestyle choices we become conduits for Gods grace and mercy in the world around us. What is needed is to replace negative behavior with positive behavior, and here Paul is giving us the resources to do just that. There must be a renewing power or person. Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness - Life, Hope and Truth Paying for someones meal or coffee is another way to show kindness. I am loved, chosen, purposed, and forgiven. Some of us have to admit that we too often twist the verbal knife of cruel sarcasm, saying what we dont mean in order to drive home more deeply what we do. For a perfect emblem of Biblical kindness, we need look no further than Jesus. After seven years, Jehoiada took steps to install Joash as king and get rid of Athaliah. And as we do let's pray that the Spirit of God would honor his Word by causing us to be changed by it. Despite being studied, worshipped, and celebrated , Spread the loveThe crucifixion of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant and debated events in human history. One way to do this is by practicing forgiveness. I am so blessed by this post, Ive being learning about love for the past couples of days and Im stuck on kindness. You may have heard about the fruit of the Spirit and wondered what it is and how it relates to our Christian faith. It gives a sense of peace knowing someone cares for them and learns otherwise unknown facts. We all know how a simple smile or word of encouragement can brighten up someones day. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Jesus is Our Example of Christian Hospitality | Lifeway How Does A Christian Show True Brotherly Love The kind acts I do did not make me kind; it is the other way around, I do kind acts because I've been made new by Christ. Were on a mission to change that. Your page gave me a hug insight and perspective to what kindness is and even how to be kind to myself. He turned no one away. Open my heart to remember the words of my Savior and feel the all-encompassing love of You, my heavenly Father. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. A miracle of grace! We should avoid bullying, insulting, or saying things that might hurt others. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). So, I decided to pour my heart and thoughts into this post. Healing the sick, feeding the hungry, teaching the people, caring for the widow, and defending children, Jesus lived 33 years of perfect kindness. This could mean donating time or resources to organizations that support those less fortunate than ourselves. But Christ calls us to lower our eyes and look at those who are below, who have nothing, can offer nothing, have no defender. I pray that your homeschool kids love the teaching! None of us has ever qualified to be loved by Jesus Christ. They talked with me in a way that didnt make me feel erased. Their friendship was an important part of her journey to faith. Writers block is quite comparable to everyday life as we strive to live out this narrative that we supposedly write for ourselves. Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study: Kindness - Learn Religions In fact, it may feel more like a blow to the head. Here are some benefits of being kind from a biblical perspective: A new command I give you: Love one another. with all malice." Kindness is a virtue that is praised throughout the Bible. Kindness starts with the love we have received and radiates as grace-filled response back out into the world (Ephesians 4:32). We are tools to extend Gods lovingkindness and mercy to the world. This past Friday, 3.11.2022, at 7:38 pm, I received a message from a member of my masters program cohort. There is no sham in it. 7 Examples of Kindness in the Bible that Will Inspire You. The art of criticism has been known for sparking conflict where necessary but honed rightly goes a long way in promoting growth amongst communities. What am I doing? In person, and on social media, let us be wise in the words we use, and thoughtful in our responses. There are many ways to show kindness. Lets Be Jesus With Skin On, Creating A Safe And Loving Environment For Everyone, Lifting Others Up With Our Words And Actions, Choosing To See The Good In Every Situation, Being A Source Of Hope And Inspiration To Others. The definition of kindness means to be friendly, generous and considerate. Modified: May 18, 2020. It should not be reserved for one day out of the year. Either plan specific acts of kindness, or plan for the random; be ready to do good on-the-spot. The story is found in 2 Chronicles 22 and 23, and it begins with evil Queen Athaliah taking the throne of Judah after murdering all the rightful heirs. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Niceness is circumstantial but kindness is a way of life. Of that Paul says, "Let it BE taken away." Im not sure if our expressions are worth a thousand words, but I do know that when we smile at people, they may be inclined to smile back. This may mean changing routines, taking more time for other people and developing an attitude of giving. This is basically the same thing we said earlier, namely, that the love of God was costly. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves- Philippians 2:3. It can be difficult sometimes, but it is important that we follow the example of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. The Samaritan paid for the innkeeper to take care of the man. When people hurt us intentionally or unintentionally, extending grace rather than retaliation reflects godly character. The call to kindness is a call to sacrifice, to embrace discomfort, to put action behind our words. Paul goes to great lengths to emphasize that we are one in Christ! Words of Kindness: 20 Christian Quotes - What Christians Want To Know For centuries, people have been trying to uncover details about what happened that day, how long , Spread the loveThroughout history, Jesus Christ has been regarded as a sinless figure. Did Jesus Sin? . An amazing display of kindness can be found during one of the darkest times in the ancient kingdom of Judah. Amen. In Galatians 5:13-14 Paul writes For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. Jesus Christ Showed Us How to Love Others. God wants us to become like Him. When we forgive, let us really forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave us. This is addressed in verse 31. The answer is hinted at in the form of the verb in verse 31. God forgives what he hates. Its also good to respect their boundaries and privacy. Prior to extending kindness to another, we must first recognize the needs of another. In conclusion, showing mercy even when its hard can be difficult but necessary work as Christians. Four things come to mind: That is the pattern of God's forgiveness and four things we can learn from it in pursuing the path of kindness. From giving generously to charity organizations to being patient and understanding with difficult individuals, there are countless ways that each one of us can make a positive impact on the world around us. As Christians, we should strive to have the Spirits qualities in our lives. When we welcome people from diverse backgrounds into our lives, it broadens our perspective and increases our empathy towards those who are different from us. He bandaged his wounds and brought him to an inn where he could recover. In the meantime, Ill give a few of my suggestions for loving thy neighbors - Geneva style. As children of God, we are loved unconditionally and uniquely valuable just as we are. Why would God consider this trait so important? A kind physician cuts deep to get your cancer. As Christians, showing kindness to others is not only a fundamental teaching of our faith but also an essential way we can live out Gods love on earth. But is this really what kindness is all about? Operating in callous and uncaring behavior is easy, but choosing to have self-control, humility and grace is a much higher calling. It is based on the mind-set described in Philippians 2:3-4: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. No one comes to the Father except through me. Im happy to took the time to share the fact that this page gave you insight and perspective. Biblical kindness is always rooted in love. Annually, on November 13th, the world joins hands for World Kindness Day, a day highlighting random good deeds and positivity. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We even take this approach to our disagreements with fellow believers in Christ. Faber continues by defining kindness and explaining how it fits into a Christian worldview. Hebrews 13:2. But kindness is not a season or a feeling. Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son (2 Chronicles 24:22). This is a hint that the instrument of our kindness is not simply ourselves. We are to show merciful kindness to everyone. Kindness is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. How do we show more of it? Here are 6 tips to help you get started on your language learning journey. It cost God his Son. Compassion means to feel love and mercy toward another person. and present her to himself in glory . It also demonstrates that being kind can have a positive impact on those around you. All rights reserved. We treat them as we would wish to be treated ourselves. Its about treating everyone with respect and compassion regardless of their beliefs, race or ethnicity. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 11 Superb Tips to Giving Yourself Grace - Made of Still , A Call for Christians to Pioneer Ministry in Online Spheres, Break My Heart for What Breaks Yours (Raw), 5784 Hebrew Year Prophetic Meaning: Year of Open Doors. It looks like Christ. Showing kindness to those who have hurt us can be challenging, but its an essential part of our Christian faith. : " Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Sometimes our differences come from miscommunication rather than actual conflict so taking the time to understand each other contributes towards mutual understanding. However, one way to approach these situations is by choosing to see the good. Show Kindness and Goodness to Everyone You Meet When we reflect His image through acts of kindness, we benefit not only others but also ourselves. It is easy to get irritated at siblings, throw them under the bus, argue, fight, blame, or just plain ignore them, but Christ emphasizes mercy, patience, love, and kindness to our families. The love of Christ for us is holy and ours should be holy. God wants us to become like Him. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Bible teaches us about the importance of forgiveness. Stephen Witmer is the pastor of Pepperell Christian Fellowship in Pepperell, Massachusetts, and Adjunct Professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Never miss a post! Faber speaks of is not the empty variety, that only shows a false facade, but is more akin to a glacier, revealing only the tip of a much deeper spiritual state of life. Paul is still giving specific illustrations of the principle in verses 2224. It is intentional, taking time and patience, a giving of ourselves in the busy, even when we are too tired. And lastly, kindness is for absolutely everyone. Doing this allows empathy to grow within you and helps you understand why they acted the way they did. God never sweeps one little lie under the rug. What the Bible Says About Kindness. And so we fall short of our divine pattern if we forgive a wrong but secretly plan to keep it in the back of our minds for a later touch. We spent the whole evening together two weeks ago trying to sort this out. Child of God As Christians always remember to use tempered speech laced with love while correcting friends privately on areas needing correction rather than putting individuals under public scrutiny sowing shame. In Ephesians 2:7, we are told that by . The Biblical view of dealing with stress provides an outlet for relief and offers a purpose for the difficult circumstances we face. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe, Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/holy-spirit/the-fruit-of-the-spirit/fruit-of-the-spirit-kindness/, Works of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit Word Study. That is the fifth thing that our text teaches us about Christian kindness. Making intentional plans to check-in and follow-up on loved ones calls for more effort on your part but ultimately lead to strengthening relationships. I appreciate you! As Christians, we have the opportunity every day to model kindness to those we meet. Prayer can also help us stay focused on Gods love and grace amidst lifes challenges. Read more about how to receive and use the Holy Spirit in the articles Christ in Us: How Does He Live in You? and How Do You Know You Have the Holy Spirit? For more about the rest of the fruit of the Spirit, see our articleThe Fruit of the Spirit and the links to the other eight. We must understand that every individual has different circumstances theyre dealing with; Our lack of knowledge about these circumstances shouldnt prevent us from being kind. "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.". Three things: Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us believe these things, and be kind to one another! Glory to God. The love of Christ for us is undeserved, and so we shouldn't insist that people earn our love and our kindness either. The second pattern is seen in 5:2, "Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us." Believe this with all your heart, and you will behold a miracle in your own lifethe fruit of the Spirit, the gift of God. Finally, prayer should play an integral role in any act of kindness as it reminds us that our ultimate hope is not found in ourselves, but rather in Christ. It is a miracle of grace when the pain of loss is so great that you don't know if you can last another day, and yet you reach out in kindness to a foreign student and reassure him that three years of labor will not be lost with the death of his mentor. Our actions speak volumes about who we are. Show Kindness in Marriage Through Actions 3 How To Practice Kindness and Compassion 3.1 How Can You Show Kindness At Home? My condolence, I pray for comfort for you and others as well. Forgiving someone does not mean forgetting what they did, but it means letting go of the anger and bitterness towards them. Oftentimes, kind acts are on-the-spot, in the moment, and unplanned. He begins by writing, The worst kinds of unhappiness, as well as the greatest amount of it, come from our conduct to each other. Saint Teresa of Avila reminds us that even if showing kindness involves sacrificing our time or resources, it pales in comparison to the reward awaiting us in heaven. We can and must do better, and Ephesians 4:32 commands it. The Extent of Christian Kindness How much kindness should we show? It is not always the most loving thing to do. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32, A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs15:1, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians5:22. Choose Kindness 2.2 2. After many long years of kindness to Joash, the high priest Jehoiada died. John 14:6-7 ESV / 4 helpful votesNot Helpful. Amid the numerous chapters in the Bible filled with hope, joy, and love, there is one Psalm that expresses the true impact of despair and depression. We also show patience, forgiveness, and compassion. As Christians we are to grow in the fruit of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and kindness - and growth takes time. The biblical witness and Butterfields testimony should make us wonder how were doing. Through showing such kindness, many non-believers would see that theres something different about ones light-bearing nature, and be drawn into their religious beliefs. Why is sleep important? As a Christian, I believe that kindness is one of the most important virtues to cultivate. When we are kind, we extend grace and mercy to others. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The Bible also speaks about showing hospitality towards strangers (Hebrews 13:2). Kindness, as a Christian, can be expressed in countless ways depending on individual circumstances and context. Prayer can help us have a change of heart towards those who have hurt us. It means to show kindness and tenderness toward another. Either way, let us show kindness at every opportunity because thats what true Christianity is all about. Flowing unceasingly from Him, kindness was His lifestyle. If kindness needs faithful practice every day, kindness also requires intentionality. One biblical example of kindness is when a woman poured perfume on Jesus feet. Kindness is underrated. Our verbal slashes too easily become part of the entertainment itself. Faith is an essential part of your personal life as a Christian. What Is Biblical Discipline, and How Can We Grow This Virtue? And thats it, folks, kindness in the Bible! (Many believe that the lady is Mary Magdalene). Christian kindness is so extensive that it replaces, "All bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander . But what about wrath and anger? How to Be a Christian (with Pictures) - wikiHow What Does Kindness Mean? Bible Definition and References Today I Failed to Show Christian Love and Kindness. How To Show Kindness As A Christian? Let's Be Jesus With Skin On An attribute of God and quality desirable but not consistently found in humans. That is the work of Satan, and all too often we obligingly go about his work for him. In Christ we are equipped to be completelyhumble towards one another, remembering that we are unified and made one through Christ, who displayed the ultimate humility by living among us and suffering on our behalf. We are called to embrace humility, patience, love, and unity. Not only does this show how ugly a lack of kindness can be, it also shows that we must be vigilant in following God or else things like kindness may not seem that important to us anymore. . . Despite her past, Rahab was forgiven and given a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ. First is the forgiveness of God. For some of us, watching sports, or talent shows (like The Voice), provides an opportunity for airing harsh opinions on physical appearance, ineptitude, or lack of talent. And our answer should be a resounding, NO! Lending an ear without judgment or interruption allows people to process their emotions and feel heard. for you are like whitewashed tombs"? For the time self is . for you cross sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves"? We should show compassion and mercy, even to those who do not deserve it. Here are some practical ways that you can show kindness as a Christian: The first thing to remember is that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone is simply listen. Being present for them without judgment can go a long way in building trust and nurturing relationships (John 15:12-13). The second pattern for our kindness is the love of Christ in 5:2, "Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us." A Samaritan, however, stopped to help the man. Every sin that has ever been committed will be justly punishedeither in hell or on the cross. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. Outbreaks of clamoring belligerence, yes. Kindness in the Bible is a virtue that is often praised but not always understood. We imitate Gods kindness, therefore, by loving our enemies. No matter how difficult these conversations may seem sometimes mustering enough courage sending love-filled words made complete with affirmations delivers permanently positive impact healing rather than further dividing wounded relations. Forgiveness allows us to let go of past hurts and bitterness towards others, which ultimately frees us from holding grudges and being consumed by negativity (Colossians 3:13). Christian kindness is not a strategy to avoid conflict. He also gives us free choice to live as we please, though He deeply wants us to choose His way of life, knowing that it is the only way that will bring true happiness. I have never forgotten the kindness shown to me by Frau Dora Goppelt in 1974 during the weeks following the unexpected death of her husband, my Doktorvater in Germany. You can't just decide to be tenderhearted and turn it on like a faucet. We should also strive to be kind in our thoughts about ourselves. Entrust your prayer intentions to our network of monasteries, Saint of the Day: St. Elizabeth of Portugal, 7 Ways to show kindness in the age of social distancing. The simplest way to show kindness as a Christian is through our words. Simple actions like offering a smile or greeting someone warmly can brighten their day and create connections between even strangers. . Kindness-promoting organizations encourage people to show kindness by returning a shopping cart for a stranger at the grocery store, giving up a seat to an elderly person on the bus, paying for the coffee of the next person in the drive-through, or by other random acts of kindness. This means being fully present in conversations, avoiding interrupting or making assumptions about what someone wants to say. Showing Kindness In The Midst Of Chaos 2.2. However, this is often easier said than done. In extending grace, we recognize that every human being deserves respect and dignity regardless of their actions. Not only does He command us to be kind, but He also shows us what genuine kindness looks like. 2. Striving to show more of these tender mercies to others little by little will add up to a completely changed overall attitudeone formed by kindness. Our culture latched onto it and has never looked back, and we as the Church have latched ourselves right along with them. Kindness isnt always easy sometimes people say or do things that hurt us deeply. "I am willing," he said. Be intentional in showing kindness; be consistent. Jesus called the Pharisees a brood of vipers. Please note that there are numerous stories in the bible, Im only listing seven . One way we can do this is by offering help to those in need. This doesnt mean that we should ignore or condone bad behavior, but it does mean that we should let go of any resentment or anger towards those who have wronged us. Finally, you can pray for them and ask God to provide for their needs and give them strength and healing. It's about treating people with a genuine tenderness and warmth. It's what I want for my own life too. The main problem in understanding kindness is the fact that it is one of a series of terms that are overlapping and not clearly or consistently distinguishable in meaning.
