In a world filled with so much heartache, injustice, and pain, it’s no wonder why there are so many people who are depressed and miserable. Without God in their lives, they have no hope. That’s why it’s important for Christians to show God’s love to everyone. That includes those who are nice to you and especially those who are not. Some people think that if they smile and are polite that they are being kind, and that’s true but the kindness God expects is so much more than that.
In Titus 3:4-5 we’re told, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Your motive for being kind matters! You can’t purchase salvation by works, and being kind because you want to rack up points in heaven isn’t going to get you there. When you show kindness because God’s love is in your heart, you can claim His promise in Proverbs 21:21: “He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.” Look for opportunities to show kindness and you’ll be amazed at how good it makes you feel.
Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” It is an action that will come automatically the closer your relationship is to Christ. When you see someone struggling to carry a package, being mistreated, or just sitting on a bench crying... do something. Don’t just look the other way. Be a living example of God’s love in action by easing the burden of someone else, and don’t be shy to give an honest compliment. How you make others feel about themselves says a lot about you. Even though you may be having a challenging day yourself, still choose to be kind.
The strongest people show kindness even while walking through their own storms.
Let others see God’s goodness in you.
Zig Ziglar put it this way: “Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you. And listen in such a way that others love to speak to you.” The Bible tells us in Proverbs 11:17, “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.”
Text:
Micah 6:8 NLT
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Zechariah 7:9-10 NIV
9 “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.
10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’
Matthew 5:38-42 NIV
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Romans 12:21 NIV
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com