Your Kindness Will Potentiate God’s Love
Kindness is one of the most important disciplines of faith we can develop on our journey to trust and follow Jesus.
It’s the universal language of love that morphs us into women who look, sound and act more like Jesus. When we clothe ourselves in kindness (Col. 3:12), we affect people in a positive and lasting way.
It’s foundational to our faith because as the role model for all things, Jesus WAS and IS kind. His death and resurrection was the ultimate self-sacrificial act of kindness. The way He continues to intercede for us to the Father is a perpetual kindness.
Kindness is different from generosity in that it requires nothing more than an intentional action.
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 and keeping someone company till the ambulance or locksmith arrives are ways to demonstrate kindness to someone in need.
Not gonna lie though, kindness can be inconvenient. Being a listening ear or returning a lost wallet can be time consuming. And, kindness takes courage. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is put down a suffering dog, or help pack up your best friend to move away from you.
I assure you the benefits outweigh the loss. Scientific studies show that being kind is a healthy response to almost every situation.
- It heals hurt feelings and restores relationships. (1 Cor. 13:4)
- It stops anger in its tracks. (Prov 15:1)
- Kindness is contagious. (Matt. 7:12)
All Kindness requires is an 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.
Say something complimentary.
Mention a job well done.
Smile at strangers and smile at your family.
Always use please and thank you.
Listen attentively.
I’m sure there a million more ways that you can think of, so exercise your creative juices and choose kindness today … and tomorrow … and the day after that … and the day after that … and the day after that.
Kindness potentiates the love of God to a world of hurting and broken people.
It will change you, it will change your recipient.
I’d love to hear about the last time you were shown kindness. Leave a comment below with your best idea for kindness.
Scripture Refresher: Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Prayer: God, I want to be kind. Remind me of all that the kindnesses you have shown me so that I can demonstrate kindness to others. Amen