Carol J German

What if we chose to be friendly, generous, and considerate towards others? What would happen? These three traits define kindness from Oxford Dictionaries. From Never Forgotten Always Loved by DaySpring, we learn what happens when kindness is given out regularly.

“Kindness is one of the great blessing in life. It builds bridges instead of walls. It finds ways to heal instead of hurt. It seeks ways to build up instead of tear down. It looks for ways to encourage instead of disappoint. The eyes of kindness see other’s needs. The heart of kindness reaches out to touch, to help, and to support. Kindness mellows hardness, bends stiffness, warms coldness, and smooths roughness. Kindness changes the disposition of the serpent into the nature of the dove, and the judge into a minister of mercy.” To add the last part of the quote, Mother Teresa said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

Kindness comes from God, and Jesus showed us the importance of this fruit of the Spirit throughout the New Testament. From ofhsoupkitchen.org, 5 Times Jesus Taught Us About Kindness, we read how radical kindness from Christ changes lives.

KINDNESS 1: In Matthew 8:1-4, Jesus healed a leper. The leper was unclean according to societal rules. Jesus went beyond social stereotypes and healed him. The man didn’t do anything to deserve Christ’s kindness. Jesus simply gave of Himself.

KINDNESS 2: From Luke 19:1-10, Jesus dined with a well-known sinner who cheated people out of a lot of money. Everyone disliked Zacchaeus. Despite what others thought of this tax collector or what people would think of Jesus, He dined with Zacchaeus and helped him to see the error of his ways. Jesus showed kindness despite any ridicule that would come from those not understanding Jesus’ love and compassion. Love was more important than opinions.

KINDNESS 3: John 4:4-14 speaks about a Samaritan woman at a well with a Jewish man. Jesus’ kindness breaks the xenophobia prejudices that prevail throughout the world. Samaritans didn’t interact with Jews. Kindness is universal, and it happens with one interaction at a time. This example was over a cup of water. Jesus offers more than physical needs.

KINDNESS 4: In Luke 8:40-48, Jesus showed compassion to a sick woman. She became desperate and needed healing; 12 years was a long time to suffer. Despite the cultural stereotypes, Jesus gave kindness rather than reproach for her daring to touch the hem of a man’s robe. He could have put her in her place for touching Him, but He didn’t. He turned and called her daughter after she confessed that she indeed was the one who touched Him. “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Honesty plays an important part in redemption.

KINDNESS 5: Luke 22:47-52 speaks of forgiveness. Jesus was sold out by one of His own. Before being arrested, in haste and fear, one of the disciples cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave. Jesus settled the contention arising by offering kindness. He healed the man’s ear. Kindness gives an enemy an opportunity to redeem himself. God is always in motion to bring spiritual healing to whomever desires it.

So, what if you chose kindness? What if I chose kindness? I truly believe many barriers would come tumbling down if we would stop and allow God to minister to us and through us. Let’s be about the work that Jesus set before us, which is to love and serve by the fruit of the Spirit.