The Beauty and Power of Kindness

Kindness. Everyone wants to receive it. But not everyone wants to give it. In my own personal experience, I can identify some critical points in my life when I needed kindness and someone gave it to me. The result was that my life was changed in a very positive way. The experience of receiving kindness changes our lives. We all need and want to be treated kindly every day of our lives. The giving of kindness to others has the power of changing their lives. Kindness is so powerful because it is so disarming and touches people on deep levels where talk or other expressions cannot reach. When we act kindly toward others, especially to those who are in need, we will be able to impact their lives in concrete and real ways. Our model for kindness is the Lord. He is a kind God. He does not deal with us according to our sins, but is merciful to us. He treats us well even when we treat him badly. He gives to us even when we withhold things from him. He is patient with us though we fail him time and again. Kindness is beautiful on a person. No people on earth should be marked by kindness more than the followers of Jesus. We should be the easiest people to deal with, the most patient, the most generous, and the most understanding. Depending on our backgrounds, role models, experiences, and choices so far, some of us are well developed as far as kindness is concerned. Others, however, have kind of a long way to go. Regardless of where you are right now, you can cultivate kindness in your life. When you do, your life will be beautiful or attractive in God’s eyes as well as in people’s eyes. Kindness can be learned or developed. The Holy Spirit actually produces it in all who are following his leadership (Galatians 5:22). So there’s much hope for you and me to incorporate kindness in our lifestyles. It’s time for a kindness revolution! Just do it. People’s lives will be changed, including yours.