Choose To Be Kind

“Be kind and compassionate to one another.”

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) 

It has been said that kindness is one of the greatest virtues, and 2 Peter 1:7 tells us that next to godliness we are to add brotherly kindness.  We are also told in Colossians 3:12 to put on kindness. 

Mark Twain said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”  And a Japanese proverb says, “One kind word can warm three winter months.” 

Proverbs 19:22 (NKJV) tells us, “What is desired in a man is kindness.”  We desire this in others, but God wants it in us.  God is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked, and He tells us to be compassionate as He is compassionate (Luke 6:35). 

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit and that means God will renew our thoughts and attitudes and we can live the way of kindness (Ephesians 4:32). 

God’s kindness is an undeserved gift because we have all sinned and fallen short of His standard (Romans 3:24).  “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient God is with you?  Does this mean nothing to you?  Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4 NLT) 

Charles Dickens said, “The worthiest cause is kindness and it is timeless.” 

God is a God of great kindness (Jonah 4:3) and He tells us His kindness is everlasting and will never depart.  “For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from you…”  (Isaiah 54:8, 10) 

We are told in Romans “If you have a gift for showing kindness to others do it gladly.”  (Romans 12:8 NLT)  Let’s make sure the law of kindness is in our tongues (Proverbs 31:6) and that we show kindness to others gladly. 

Prayer

Thank you Father, for your great kindness to us, which we don’t deserve.  Please help us to always be kind to everyone we meet.

Amen 

Study by Jill Newman