Kindness is often a simple matter, but has so many profound consequences. It reaches into the cracks and crevices of life’s most difficult circumstances. We never know when our Christian influence will extend far beyond our expectation. Most times it happens when we are kind. In the common courtesies of life, we lay the ground work for whatever witness we may offer for Christ. The influence which Jesus has upon our lives is expressed more by our kind and gentle ways than any other aspect of our faith. The love of God can never be promoted in a hateful way. All our loud and prolific pronouncements of Christianity are for naught if there is an absence of kindness.
Kindness is a product of who we are. It belongs to our personality. It rises from our Christian temperament and is essential to every area of our Christian life style. Without kindness our commitment is nothing but an ambitious routine. Without kindness our talents are hidden in a maze of self glory. Without kindness our testimony is lost in rudeness and ill manners. Kindness is the key to our most tender moments of prayer and worship. Church is a fellowship of love where kindness is evident.
The Bible is clear in its pronouncement to be kind to one another. A basic respect for others is at the heart of the Christian doctrine of man. Here then is our requirement to be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven us. Therefore, let kindness prevail in our lives so that our influence will be healthy and our witness consistent with the kindness of our heavenly Father. May our ways be mannerly because our thoughts are Godly.
I love this post, Allan.
It’s funny how just a little kindness can have a massive impact. The times in my life I remember with most embarrassment are those when I didn’t show enough kindness, or kindness at all. Thankfully, they’re a reminder to me to practice kindness whenever possible.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading, and especially for joining in, Gae-Lynn. I think “modern society” has lost sight of the value of kindness. Calvin does a great job of reminding us, and is a great example of it himself. I am fortunate to know him.
Excellent post which we will be sharing Allan. I completely agree with this and think if we want to exemplify Christ, we should by our actions more so than our words. It’s in those deeds that we display who resides within our spirit. The other day, I was waiting in line at Kerr Drug, with four customers ahead of me. The gentlemen checking out appeared to be in his eighties and came up $4.00 short to buy his perscription. No sooner did the cashier tell him, that all four of us started taking out the money for him. The gentlemen ahead of me smiled and said. “Only in the South could you see something like this. The gentlemen in front of him said. “I’m from Chicago, and I don’t think kindness is limited to Southern states!
Once again great post, and on another note, Inion and I have nominated you for “The Reality Blog Award” Just head on over to our blog for the details and congrats my friend.
What a great example – thanks for sharing!
Hi, Allen.
Thanks for posting Calvin’s perspective. I’ve known
him for decades as the epitome of kindness. Please give Calvin my warmest regards and encourage him to keep writing and speaking a good word.
Will do, Steve!
Well, I have to come at it from a different perspective. I’m not christian and don’t believe in God. What I do believe in is the concept of treating people as you want to be treated, no matter what, until they prove they don’t deserve it. I recently wrote a post titled “What’s Wrong With Being Nice” because it seems we deal with so many more people who have to put down others or just be downright disgusting. I don’t like that direction for society, thus kindness, or niceness, is what I’d rather pursue, religious or not.
I agree Mitch; we see the negative side of people so often these days. I don’t know if that’s because people are more unhappy than they were or if it’s just a trend toward a hate-filled society.
Kindness is the person who runs this blog.
It’s not just a Christian thing, though I understand where the Doctor is coming from. It can be found in so many others, but it shouldn’t have to be looked for, or dug for.
If we were all kinder to each other, it would make such a huge difference in the world.
Agreed!
another reminder of the “Golden Rule”
True. Not to be confused with the platinum rule; “Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you.” which, sadly, seems to be the rule of thumb for many in the world today.
Amen.