Devotional Story on Kindness
The Dictionary definition of kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. The Biblical interpretation of kindness is doing what is right even when it’s hard. It's about going the extra mile and being there for people no matter what. In the secular world it’s based on tolerance, being nice to people regardless of how you feel about them. Biblical kindness is always rooted in love.
Kindness may also refer to being gentle and loving to yourself. How you treat yourself sets the tone for how you treat others as well. When we are kind, we extend grace and mercy to others. We show patience, forgiveness, and compassion. It’s not always easy to be kind, but it’s always worth it.
When we are kind we smile more often, compliment others more often, listen to others with our full attention, look for opportunities to serve others in any way, and forgive others. Though it is not easy, thinking before we speak helps us to be more kind.
The artisans had so much to say about kindness and shared scriptures that spoke to them. They began by describing kindness in their own words. They explained that kindness is sacrifice, patience, being a good advisor, and helping others. One described kindness as caring for others’ needs above your own and having a good heart. Another said that kindness is a culture and demonstrates wisdom. Like the Biblical definition, kindness is rooted in love, a kind person is loving without resentment or jealousy.
The artisans shared some of their favorite verses related to kindness:
2 Timothy 2:24, Philippians 2:1-4, Philippians 4:1-3, Galatians 5:22-26, Luke 10:25-37, I Kings 17:6-20, Genesis 18:1-15, Joshua 24:17-19, 2 Samuel 21:7.
There are many benefits to being kind from a biblical perspective:
When we show kindness through love, we show that we are disciples of Christ
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Kindness is an extension of Christ’s forgiveness
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
Kindness heals relationships.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Kindness is a reflection of the heart of God.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Galatians 5:22
The most important thing is to make a conscious effort to be kinder every day. It will make you feel better and it will make the world a better place.