What is Kindness?

I remember while in high school, one of our classmates became pregnant. Another classmate and I offered to give her a baby shower. In the midst of a difficult time for her (unwed mother), two friends said we will stand with you, bless you and support you. It was a small act, but it meant the world to her and her family.

Each of us remember small deeds done for us or the small deeds we have done for others. It is not so much what was done, but that it was done. It’s the heart of love and kindness extended to us or through us that touches the heart of the recipient. Kindness shows someone they are valued, appreciated, loved, cherished, remembered, treasured, recognized, not forgotten.

Webster states kindness is an “act of good will; that disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses; any act of benevolence which promotes the happiness or welfare of others.”

Biblical Thoughts on Kindness:

“Put on…kindness. We have been saved because of God’s kindness toward us through Jesus Christ. We, in turn, show kindness toward others. ‘Be kind to one another’ is God’s Command.” Paul exhorts us to “Put off the grave clothes of sin and the old life, and to put on the ‘grace-clothes’ of holiness and the new life in Christ.” [Wiersbe]

“Kindness speaks of the unselfish spirit of doing for others. It is an attitude of affection or goodwill.” [MacDonald]

“Kindness refers to a goodness toward others that pervades the entire person, mellowing all harsh aspects.” [MacArthur]

Kindness Scriptures

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy… (Titus 3:4-5b)

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Kindness Quotes

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ~AESOP

Our days are happier when we give people a piece of our heart rather than a piece of our mind. ~Anonymous

As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. ~Audrey Hepburn

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate. ~Albert Schweitzer

Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness. ~George Sand

You cannot do kindness too soon for you never know how soon it will be too late. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Never be so busy as not to think of others. ~Mother Teresa

Key – We are encouraged to live our life in Christ and to ‘put on’ or to ‘clothe ourselves’ with: a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness and love.

Recommendations:

Read about Brotherly Kindness – https://strengthwithdignity.com/life-and-godliness-brotherly-affection/

Read about the 4 Types of Heart Soil – 4 Types of Heart Soils (strengthwithdignity.com)

Scriptures:

Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14; Titus 3:4-5b

References:

MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson, 2005, page 1742.

MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson, 2016, page 2059.

Webster 1828 Dictionary. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/kindness

Wiersbe, Warren B. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete New Testament. Published by David C. Cook, 2007, pages 686-687.