Why Kindness Matters

Posted on Aug 31, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: Show Kindness, Titus 3:4-6

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-6)

Have you ever spent time with someone who’s unpleasant to be around because they’re always complaining and finding fault in everything … even when life seems to be rainbows and butterflies? Sometimes it’s difficult to be around people like that.

Now, imagine the kindest person you’ve ever met. What’s the difference? What is it that makes that person so kind?

I bet if we were to take a poll, most of us would want to be more like the person who’s kind. The Bible has quite a bit to say about kindness. Let’s explore some key passages below.

When we think about being kind, our reflection should begin with God Himself. A beautiful passage that shows this is Titus 3:4-6 and Ephesians 2:7-9.

These couple of passages are jam-packed with great things! God’s kindness is the cause of Jesus coming into the world, the cleansing of our hearts by the Holy Spirit and our eternal hope.

Our salvation is not because we’ve done any good works, but it’s because of God’s grace—an expression of God’s kindness.

Throughout the Bible we are commanded and exhorted to be kind (Gal 5:22; Eph 4:32; Col 3:12), even to our enemies (Lk 6:35). The reason for that is because God Himself is kind, even to those who are ungrateful and wicked (Lk 6:36).

Now that we’ve looked at what the Bible says about being kind, let’s consider some steps to help us as we seek to practice kindness in our lives.

1. Take some time this week and reflect on God’s kindness in our lives. Reread the passages we looked at above (Tit 3:4-6; Eph 2:7-9; and Lk 6:35-36).

2. Examine your interactions with people this week and ask yourself: in what ways have I been kind to others? In what ways have I been unkind?

3. Ask God’s Spirit to show you areas in your life where you need to improve on being kind to others, and then ask for help to overcome those areas.

4. List out possible ways that you might be kind to others, and then set some goals for your week on who you might reach out to others with kindness in your life.

5. Pray and ask God to show His kindness through you this week.

May the Lord be with you this week as you seek to be kind to others!

I felt this devotion needed to be shared because we need to be reminded that in a world obsessed with “getting my way,” kindness seeks the good of others, just as Christ set the example before us all throughout the Bible. Let’s take the initiative today and seriously reflect on those five things mentioned above before we start our day. You never know the impact you can and will make in someone’s life just by showing kindness, even when they may not deserve it in that moment. Remember, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Be His hands extended today and every day.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Hebrews 12:1