Kindness is an action we all want to receive, but how good are we at showing kindness. Kindness is in short supply with the public in general. If you go to a store people are pushing to get a place in line before you do. If there is one item left, and two people want it, whoever can grab it first gets the item. If you drive far, you will find people are in a hurry and if you get too close you may get a hand signal that is not kind. We live in a “me first” society where kindness seems to take a backseat to selfishness. However, that does not change how the world is supposed to be, especially the Christian world. The second attribute of love in I Corinthians 13:4 is kindness.
I Corinthians 13:4 “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”
To be kind is to act in a way that is gentle, caring, and helpful to others. It is the opposite of harshness, which may show itself in a burst of anger or revenge. These actions breed hatred, not love. Kindness seeks to be courteous because it desires happiness for someone else. When I think of kindness, I think of Philippians 2:3, where Paul is writing to the church at Philippi, he instructs them to think of others before themselves. Paul’s letter to them was not one of reprimand, as were the letters to the Galatians and Colossians, but more of encouragement to continue to live out their faith. He appreciated this body of believers because they had been giving Paul material support for the ministry. This church was showing kindness to one another, but especially to Paul.
Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Scripture is full of acts of kindness. I mention a few, but God gives us many examples that we can learn from them.
- The life of Ruth and Naomi in the book of Ruth is notable. Naomi, her husband, and her sons had gone to Moab when there was a famine in Judah. Now her sons were grown and married. Her husband dies, and a few years later both sons die. Naomi hears that God has blessed Bethlehemjudah, and the supply of food is good. She starts on her journey to her homeland with both daughters-in-law but before they could journey too far, she tells them to go back. Both were from Moab. In Ruth chapter 1, we see tears as Naomi tells them to return to their family. Orpah finally agrees to go back, but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi. She shows the ultimate kindness by going with Naomi and taking care of her. To see what love and respect for others look like, read the book of Ruth.
Ruth 1:16-17 “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”
- Jonathan and David are great instances of kindness that are notable are in I Samuel. Their love for one another does not end at Jonathan’s death. David shows kindness by taking care of Jonathan’s family that is still alive.
- In Exodus 2:5-10, Pharaoh’s daughter shows kindness when she rescues Moses from his basket in the bulrushes. Her father had ordered all the male babies to be killed at birth. If she had not rescued him it is certain he would have died.
- Joseph in Genesis 37:12-36 should also be noted as showing kindness. As a young man, his brothers sold him into slavery. He lived honorably and was given a great position in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar was captain of the guard in Pharaoh’s army. An extremely high position in Egypt. While there, Joseph was falsely accused and thrown into prison. He was later freed from prison by Pharaoh and given a ruling position. When the famine came to his homeland, his brothers came to Egypt to buy grain. They didn’t recognize Joseph, but he knew them. In time, Joseph brought all his family to Egypt where they could have food and prosper. He showed kindness despite the circumstances surrounding his life.
However, the greatest show of love was the kindness God showed us. In Titus3:2-6, Paul reminds us of what we were before salvation. How we were foolish, disobedient, serving our own desires, being hateful, and envious of one another. Yet, God showed kindness to us. Because He is love, He was kind to us, not because we deserved it, but because he is merciful, He saved us. The act of redemption was one of great kindness.
Titus 3:2-6 “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior 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 Savior;”
Let’s make some application. Are you showing kindness by seeking to change your life to meet the needs of others, as Ruth did? Are you willing to give to others, bring them into your home, and feed them a meal or offer lodging, when you know they can’t reciprocate like David? Are you willing to forgive others as Joseph did, by extending yourself and what you have, to those who have hurt you? Can you show mercy to others as God has shown to you? True love forgives, it does not forget the kindness of others, it seeks to meet the needs of others, and it is exhibited in the kindness is shows.
