Without kindness, part of our soul shrivels. Kindness is a key expression of our lives as children of God. We cannot profess to love God and yet be unkind. But while we live on this earth, we are still bound by imperfections which can limit the measure of our kindness.
I know when I’m peeved or frustrated, unkind words tend to escape my lips more easily then they ought. And before I know it, I’m just seconds too late to take back statements uttered thoughtlessly. More often than not, the recipients of my harsher moments are those that I’m close to. During times like these, my brain would be going through mental reiterations of, “Now, that wasn’t a wise thing to say…”
If unkindness cuts deep, kindness runs deeper.
The thing is, when I’m unkind – especially to loved ones – I can gauge their reaction to my unkindness pretty well. A slight furrowing of the brow, a clenching of the jaw and a hurt expression in their eyes all serve to indicate that my words have cut and bruised them. The effect is immediate, and sometimes, more lasting than I ever thought they would be.
If unkindness cuts deep, kindness runs deeper. I'm still learning how to be a kinder person. I've realised the hard way that even a brief outburst of unkindness produces relational fractures that I didn't bargain for.  Conversely, small acts of kindness give rise to long-lasting, unexpected effects. Kindness is simply  infectious, affecting both the giver and the recipients alike. It then has a manner of rippling further outwards. When Rahab - a known prostitute - hid Israelite spies on the roof of her house to prevent them from being discovered, she couldn't have known that her kindness to them would lead to her becoming an ancestress of Christ. Â
We know that kindness is one of the seven fruits of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 states, "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." When we purposefully sow and water seeds of kindness, we learn to cultivate godly fruit in our lives. By doing so, we uproot weeds of selfishness that can choke kindness. We grow in kindness by staying close to the Holy Spirit, and understanding his heart for others.
It is vital that we intentionally watch our hearts and be careful of what emerges from our lips and manifests in our actions. We need to ensure that we don't hold back kindness. Sometimes we don't want to be kind because it can be costly, or we're scared of stepping out beyond our comfort zones. Be kind anyway. We need to keep ourselves on edge. It isn't enough to not do bad things as a Christian. We absolutely must engage in actively living for Christ, and kindness to others is one of the key ways we can do so. Colossians 3:12 says this, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." God doesn't drop down kindness like a magical suit (I wish). Rather, we have to consciously put kindness on. It's not always convenient or simple. But it is worth it, as we are gradually transformed from the inside out.
When we mingle with others, let kindness be central in our interactions - whether in thought, speech or deed. When we take God’s kindness and pay it forward, we bring more of heaven onto earth. We win souls better with kindness girded by love, rather than persuasive words and lofty opinions.
