We have all felt it, haven’t we? How the power of kindness, even a simple, single act transforms a day or maybe even a life. We often underestimate the quiet and often-unseen acts of such loving-kindness. God, however, notices them all — a smile, a cool glass of water or hot cup of coffee, a look that says, “You matter.”
This past weekend, we scurried between two sporting tournaments our grandchildren were participating in. Late nights and early mornings crowned our days and somewhat wearied our bodies. Our family huddled together cheering on their efforts. One young fellow, around four-years-old, had no interest in cleated feet and balls sailing swiftly through the air. He fixed his focus on the cluster of people closest to him. With impish innocence, he began to move from spectator to spectator. Grinning from ear to ear, he held out tiny arms welcoming the willing into a gentle hug, leaving smiles along the way. Near the end of the row a rather gruff man resisted the invitation. The young lad stood there unrelenting, his posture saying, “Come on. You know you need a hug today. It’s right here if you want it.” His simple act of kindness eventually softened even the hardest heart. His unexpected at of kindness brightened left us all feeling brighter and lighter.
I don’t remember a single play from that game. Nothing remarkable happened on the field. But the gentle, unsolicited hug of a child, deeply impressed me and others.
Aesop wrote, “No act of kindness, no matter now small, is ever wasted.” I have no doubt he meant the hugs of children.
Peter lists “brotherly kindness” or “mutual affection” as one of seven key qualities for every Christian.
” … to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:7-8 NKJV
God’s Character
The Old Testament Hebrew word translated as “kindness” is “chesed,” which includes loyalty, faithfulness, and loving-kindness. In the New Testament the Greek word “chrēstotēs” emphasizes both goodness and gentleness. Throughout the Bible, kindness reflects aspects of God’s nature of love, mercy, and grace.
Kindness witnesses to the world the very nature of God. We are called to increasingly imitate His kindness. Though it would be inappropriate for us as adults to skip down an aisle of strangles hugging at will, God continually presents us with opportunity to show His kindness in tangible ways to a world needing a God-hug.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
Jesus’ parable portrayed the selfless kindness and mercy of a good Samaritan. The Samaritan willingly helped a stranger who had been brutally assaulted and left to die. Despite cultural animosities and his own busy schedule, he offered kindness and gentleness to the despised (Luke 10:30-37).
Perhaps we find one of the greatest biblical examples through the life of Boaz. He demonstrated incredible compassion and generosity by his unmerited kindness toward a foreigner and desolate widow named Ruth (Ruth 2:8-16).
Kindness paints a vivid image to the world of both the love of Christ and the character of God.
Kindness Grows
Listed in the epicenter of the fruit of the Spirit, we find kindness, sandwiched between forbearance and goodness.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
The Message Bible says it like this: “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard — things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely (Galatians 5:22-23).
I like that definition of kindness — a sense of compassion in the heart! Like sweet fruit, it grows in us, feeding and nourishing others, while also bearing seeds of regenerated kindness spread everywhere.
“In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer.”
Isaiah 54:8
Oh, the power of kindness — both the kindness of God and kindness demonstrated in and through us. Everlasting kindness redeeming and transforming lives!
The Power of Kindness
How does something as simple as the hug of a child contain such transformative power? It comes as a gentle whisper from heaven. It reaches almost imperceptibly to the core of our need. Why? Because it reflects not only the character of God, but also the redemptive grace and perfect kindness He continually extends toward humanity through Jesus Christ.
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.“
Ephesians 2:6-7
Oh, how often we busy ourselves to impress others while losing our childlike capacity to embrace the world with a hug of kindness. God has shown us the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. He welcomes us to come to Him and then to go, spreading the fruit of His kindness everywhere.
May we serve Him by daily reflecting his grace through the transforming power of kindness.
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Our Heavenly Father is so, so good. I have been suggesting in my marriage, and have been asking Abba to show me how to change from me, to Who He is in me. Holt Spirit took me to the word Kindness, in my actions and additude toward the Godly man He gave me. I have been praying Galatians 5:22-23, and now though you He has provided other scriptures. Thank you for your obedience to write and encourage and confirm He’s Holy Words for us. May God richly, richly bless you.