Are you kind?
Do you seek to help those who are less fortunate or offer a kind word to the stranger on the street? Do you offer a kind word in response to a harsh one? Do you reflect Christs heart when you interact with those around you? Do your actions align with His love and Compassion?
Kindness reflects the heart of Jesus. It allows us to open our hearts to the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. When we express kindness to others, no matter how small, we share Christ with others. We show his character and heart to those that need it most. We even grow closer in our relationship with God. No, acts of kindness cannot save your soul or get you into heaven; but it expresses and fulfills commands that Christ gave us to direct others to repentance and acceptance of Christ.
Proverbs 21:21 states “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”
Giving love to others is also expressing kindness. In fact, the greatest command Christ gave us was to...
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophet’s hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
What does that look like? Well, sometimes it looks great and other times it’s a struggle. It may be easy to hold the door for someone or tell someone they look nice today; but what are you supposed to do when kindness doesn’t come naturally to you or someone wrongs you?
“If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.” Luke 6:29
Why is this important?
This is important because as Christ commands us to turn the other cheek, it’s also a great way to show kindness is the face of adversity. We show love to our enemies and invite God’s kindness into the situation.
Luke 6:35 states “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
The Bible also tells us to:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving, each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow Gods example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 4:32-5:12.
It can be hard to turn the other cheek; to put aside our anger and frustrations or daily issues to put others first and exemplify Christ to others. But, these little acts of kindness can change someone’s life or day.
Acts of Kindness
Acts of kindness can be a variety of things. I have compiled a list of things you can do to show kindness today. You can also do this list with your kids:
Put shopping carts back in a store lot
Open doors for random people
Read for the elderly at a nursing home
Volunteer at a food bank or homeless shelter
Donate items to needy organizations
Offer to watch someone’s kids
Bake goodies for the neighbors
Send a thank you card to the police department
Pile your used plates and trash when finished with your meal at a restaurant
Do something nice for your sibling or family member
Pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant anonymously
Cover the window of someone’s vehicle if the window was left open in the rain
Tell someone they look amazing today
Pick up trash you see wherever you go
Donate a dollar to the beggar on the street
Tell someone that Jesus loves them
This is just a small list out the many things you can do. I have linked for you several other sites that have expansive lists of ideas you can get your kids to participate in.
These items are also a great purchase to take with you daily. Challenge yourself and your kiddos to show Christs love to others by completing the tasks on these cards.
You never know just how much your act of kindness can touch someone. In fact, as I was writing this, I got a knock on my door from my neighbor. My neighbor so lovingly brought me a gift to thank me for all the kindness our family has shown her. She said she remembers our last conversation and all that I have done for her and it touched her. It makes me happy to know that we are doing something right and helping those we know. Even if it is something so small. We show kindness to others not expecting anything in return, but that others may see Christ through us.
My neighbor across the street show kindness to us each week by putting all of our trash cans back on our driveways after they are emptied. It is such a small gesture but it is such a great help to me as I often forget to bring them in till the next day. When someone comments on what a great job I did, it makes me feel better about my work. It also boosts my confidence and makes my day when I am complimented on how I am looking that day. It makes my gloomy grey day bright and happy. Kindness, no matter how great or small, no matter what mood you’re in, goes a long way.
Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
So, show someone the love Christ has for them through your acts of kindness. No, it won’t get you into Heaven (as that is not how salvation works), but it can guide someone to repentance and accepting Christ into their heart as they see a small glimpse into what Christ’s love looks like.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-24