The Universal Language Of Kindness
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
The beautiful thing about kindness is that everyone can do it. Anyone … in any season of life, whether young, old, male or female, rich, poor or even sick can show kindness.
Not to be confused with generosity, (which I generally associate with giving money) kindness requires nothing more than intentional action.
Kindness is more powerful than anger, selfishness or even hate. It morphs us into women who look, sound and act more like Jesus. When we clothe ourselves in kindness as Col. 3:12 directs, we affect people in a positive and lasting way.
Contagious and courageous.
Those who are shown kindness will surely pass it on. Like a train of Dominos, when the first one falls, the rest follow. Taking the lead to demonstrate kindness softens hearts, quiets tempers and provides space for tenderness to grow. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:12
In close relationships, kindness can overcome the temptation to hold grudges, get revenge and act selfishly. Random acts of kindness toward strangers can break down prejudice, overcome greed and restore faith in humanity.
“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” – Kahlil Gibran
Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is put down a suffering animal. It’s tough to help pack up your best friend to move away from you. Being a listening ear or returning a lost wallet can be time consuming. Keeping someone company till the ambulance or locksmith arrives can mess up your schedule.
Demonstrations of God’s love.
Simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference. Holding a door. Sharing your lunch. Offering your spot in line. Taking the cart back into the store. I’m sure there a million ways that you can think of to exercise your creative juices and choose kindness.
Kindness requires only your intentional action. Decide in advance to be a kind person. Then start to practice intentional kindness.
- Send a card.
- Make a call.
- Write an actual letter.
- Invite someone over for coffee.
- Say something complimentary.
- Notice a job well done and mention it.
- Smile at strangers and smile at your family.
- Always use please and thank you.
- Listen attentively.
Jesus WAS and IS kind.
Kindness is foundational to our faith because as the role model for all things, His death and resurrection was the ultimate self-sacrificial act of kindness. He died so we might live – live abundantly now and eternally with God in heaven.
Kindness is one of the most important habits we can develop on our journey to to trust and follow Jesus. It costs little but pays huge dividends in our own lives and in the lives of everyone we touch.
In the comments below, share a way that you have experienced or demonstrated kindness recently.
I have lots of lessons to learn, but certainly kindness is not one of them. It flows out of me and is second nature because of my mercy and compassion for others, as God had mercy and compassion for me from my birth. Kindness takes many forms and it doesn’t have to be extravagant. In fact, it’s the little things that often make such a difference. Some recent examples include: a smile to strangers at the store, a helping hand as needed, a verbal confirmation about understanding where someone is coming from that is struggling, a thinking of you card to my ex-mother in law that I’m still proud to call Mom and she calls me daughter, home-made paleo muffins for an expression of thanks, an encouraging word for a struggling colleague, going beyond what is expected at work and noticing how to be a team player, taking the time to pray for a need when a need arises, even if it’s not convenient, etc. By giving in these small ways, I receive so much!
Bobbie
Bobbie,
These are all such excellent suggestions! Thank you so much for posting.
I try to practice kindness every day with some of the things you listed like smiles to strangers I interact with, returning the buggy of the person beside me in the parking lot when I take mine, picking up trash when I walk, holding doors, etc. I love the look on people’s faces when you do something unexpected. I’m also a hugger and encourager in my circle of family and friends.