Practice Kindness ‘Til You’re an Expert
“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.” – K. Gibran
Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is put down a suffering animal. It’s tough to help pack up your best friend for a her move away. 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 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.
- 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.
Jesus WAS and IS kind.
Kindness is foundational to our faith because as the role model for all things, Jesus’ 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.
Verse for today: 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 New Living Translation
I was at the gas station to put gas in my car , but saw this blue car across from the vacuum and air station with a sign in the window. It read “it read i lost my wallet need some gas to get home please help”
The spirit spoke to me and said what are you going to do about what you read.
I drove over to them and said if your car can move to the pump i can give you $30. Gas. While pumping his gas myself i share the word of God with him and his wife of the goodness of God and show him kindness he said they was there park from 1.30pm that day and nobody stop to help them and it was 6.10 pm when i got my gas.
Wow, terrific testimony, Sheila. Great discernment and obedience.
My act of kindness today was, I offered a member of our church some peanut butter crackers. I love to make others feel happy.
Nice! If I’m ever at your church, I’m definitely sitting next to you!
I have a saying on my wall that says “Kindness is one of the most difficult gifts to give away. It is almost always returned” 🙂 You need to think about that one for a minute before you get the twist or humor in it – but it’s so true! It’s one gift that you would love to have returned – or better yet – RE-gifted.