“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

There are many people in this world who are simply kindhearted by nature; it’s almost like an extension of who they are. For others however, it sometimes take a little more effort depending on the circumstances and who they’re dealing with. Sure it’s easy to be kind to people when they’re pleasant and easygoing; but what about when it takes the last shred of energy you have left, and the person is not only awful, but doesn’t give an owl’s hoot what you do? How easy is it then?

As Christians, we are called to be kind. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) This admonition comes without clauses, without exceptions, without stipulations. It means that we ought to be kind when doing so is easy, and when it’s not. It means going the extra mile, even when it takes us out of our comfort zone. This is how we identify as Christians, by displaying the Father’s heart not only towards other believers, but towards everyone we meet. “Ye shall know them by their fruits….” Matthew 7:16 (KJV)

Think about how you felt the last time someone did something unexpectedly nice for you. And I’m not talking about something big; a little thing, like stopping their car to let you through when no one else would, or letting you go ahead of them in line at the store. As small as that demonstration of kindness was, it left you with a good feeling didn’t it? Even seeing kindness in action by another person, unless your heart is totally made of stone, it stirs something good inside of you.

Kindness also, doesn’t have to be shown in a tangible way; a kind or encouraging word at the right time works just as well; and in a world where harsh words and heated arguments seem to be the rule of the day, we can certainly diffuse and alleviate situations with the kind words that we speak. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)

We don’t always have to be right, or get the last word in at every conversation. We don’t have to be rude or short with people because they’re rude or short with us. You never know what a person is dealing with at the moment you’re interacting with them, but you can always make their day better by showing them kindness in some form. Our words have the power, to heal, mend and soothe, but they also have the power to wound and hurt, so we should never be hasty with them. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;” James 1:19

It costs us nothing to be kind to others. It might take a lot more effort on some of our parts, but we need it in our world today more than we’ve ever needed it before. Not just around the Holidays when everyone is in a festive mood and expressing good cheer, but every day.

So let us ask the Lord for His grace and patience to exercise this much needed fruit of the spirit in our lives. To open up our eyes and hearts to see opportunities that we might otherwise miss because we’re too busy or impatient. Jesus demonstrated kindness and compassion while He was here on earth; He took it everywhere He went. And if we are to be His ambassadors in the world today, we should be doing the same.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 (ESV)

Question: What act of kindness have you done lately? Or maybe someone else did for you. 😊