kind·ness
ˈkīn(d)nəs/
noun
1. the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
good·ness
ˈɡo͝odnəs/noun
1. the quality of being good, in particular.
Sometimes I find it hard to see kindness and goodness in the world. With everything that has been going on in this day and age, you might be able to understand why. From politics, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks, the world seems so unkind. Mostly because it’s made up of people, and people are sinful creatures which usually leads to bad scenarios.
However, when we allow Jesus in our broken, distorted, messy lives, He becomes the kindness and goodness in us. Jesus’s compassion begins to overflow in our lives. We’ll begin to see the hurting and the hungry, not as society views them, but as Jesus does. We’ll be able to show kindness and goodness towards others because He first shows it to us.
Ephesians 4: 32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Because Jesus lives in us, we are able to be kind and good to others, even through the toughest situations, where being kind may otherwise not have been an option.
As Christians, we are expected to be the Light of Jesus Christ. What exactly do you think that entails? A casual smile at the person next to you at church? A handshake to your neighbor? Tossing some change into a homeless person’s cup, and calling it a day?
Sure, those things are fine and dandy, but I believe being a Christian requires more of us. It’s more than just actions, but a heart attitude. It requires compassion like no other; a burning passion for people. A desire to pour into the lives of others through the love of Jesus.
How might one do this, though?
Here’s the simplest answer I could find;
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
– Mother Teresa
When you’re in true discipleship with Jesus, the kindness of God should overflow into others’ lives around you. It will be authentic, and never self-pleasing, but a true expression of faithfulness to God.
