Reasons to Practice Kindness
What does kindness mean? The merriam-webster dictionary defines kindness as: a kind deed/act (favor) or the quality or state of being kind. A few days ago during my devotions I became intrigued with the word kindness. The act of it is often taught to and impressed upon children. It’s something our society seems to value, but doesn’t always practice. Kindness can be used to describe someone you admire. But what does it really mean? And what happens when you reach out and commit a kind deed.
The Bible has many scriptures on kindness. Here are a few to meditate on:
- And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
- But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Luke 6:35
- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
- Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 3:3 (NLT)
- Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrews 13:2
What I took from these scriptures: God is even kind to the unthankful and evil. I am {sometimes} kind to people who are easy to love, but the evil? Ehh…
It’s not easy, but there are so many reasons to practice kindness!
We were forgiven by Christ when we definitely didn’t deserve it. Who are we to say our neighbor, friend, spouse, child doesn’t deserve the same grace and kindness? All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). I am no better than anyone else. It can be difficult, but I believe we shouldn’t be selective on who decide to give kindness to.
One more thought: Did you know being kind makes you likable? Think of the kindest person you know. Do you often want to be in their presence? Do you feel they are ‘good’ for you? Others want to be around generous, kind, and loving people. Your small act of kindness may impact someone’s life forever. I love this quote:
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Leo Buscaglia
As I said it’s not always easy to love everyone. But we are blessed to be a blessing. You never know how a small act may turn someone’s life around. When you practice kindness not only do you bless someone else, but you feel happier after you commit an act of kindness. Science supports this: simple positive activities increase our well-being (read here).
