I’ve heard so much about being kind lately. It is a character-trait motto at our school this year. Be the Kind Kid. I see it in the news—the kindness of strangers—forwarded far and wide by Facebook. #kindness, #kindnessmovement, etc. Why is it so important? And how do we do it well?
One of the reasons we have such a problem answering these two questions, is that we don’t know how to define it. What comes to mind when you think of a kind person? A sweet disposition, generous acts, lack of selfishness?
Regardless of how we define it, we know how it makes us feel. On a dreary day, not too long ago, I was having a really bad day. You know, like Monday only on Tuesday, when the dog pees on the floor right before you leave for work. Or Dear Hubby (mine’s name is Doug) omits some important expectation, leaving you feeling less important that you should, and it’s blown out of proportion because you’re PMSing. You know, one of those days.
I’m not a complainer, but this day I “might have” mentioned to my co-worker that I was feeling down and out. And how I knew I was feeling down-and-out was I was craving cookies. How I knew I was PMSing was that I wasn’t craving my favorite cookies (Oreos) but I was craving Chips Ahoy!
The next morning, I found a card that said “Happy Friend’s Day” and on the inside, it said “Okay, I just made that up, but I’m so happy to have you for a friend, sometimes I just feel like celebrating”. She signed it with a heart and her name. I felt so good. I knew she understood where I was coming from. And to top it off, the card sat on top of a full-size package of Chip’s Ahoy!! Oh My Gosh! She was so kind and I felt so loved.
We all know that feeling. The feeling that we get when someone shows us that they care. When someone is KIND to us.
Here is why I think it is so important to pay attention to how kind we are:
It’s not instinct. This is one of those traits, that without truly understanding or watching someone else be kind, you may not just pick up. However, the Lord gives us instruction:
The Lord tells us that we are to give a blessing EVEN when someone insults us. He says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Truly, “a gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
Three steps to be a kinder person:
#1. Think of others first (be humble).
Scriptures such as Eph 4:2 and 1 Peter 3:8 come to mind. These scriptures set the cornerstones for personal acts of kindness. Most would find it hard to be kind without showing the traits laid out in the above scriptures.
#2. Don’t care what others think of your kindness.
Wrong motivation will rob you of a blessing. We’ve all heard the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Those that would not help the one in need were concerned with what others would think of them if they helped the beaten man.
#3. Expect nothing in return.
Sometimes, this is easier said than done. We are not accustomed to operating this way in our tit-for-tat world. But Good guidance is found in Luke 6:35. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for noting again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest; for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
How do you think you do in the KINDNESS arena?
I know some days I do better than others. I’m sure you do too.
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