But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:4-6 (ESV)
Where would we be if God our Savior had not shown us this kindness? His supernatural kindness changed everything! It saved us and as Christians, we must be faithful every day to bear the fruit of kindness. We must be intentional in seeking out ways to show others kindness.
Showing kindness can go a long way for someone.
As children we are taught to be kind; to treat others as we want to be treated (Luke 6:31) but as adults, I feel like we rush through our days missing out on opportunities to show that kindness. We tend to show our impatience with people instead. We don’t take the time to listen to them or even pause a moment to offer a smile to everyone we pass because we are too focused on where we are headed and what we have to do. Showing even a small kindness to someone can lift their spirits and make their day but it goes much deeper than that. Kindness not only communicates to people, I see you. I see your pain and I believe that you are worthy of love but it shows them the love and kindness of our Heavenly Father. I don’t know about you, but I want others to see Him through me. Kindness is from God and should be shared with everyone we meet!
1 John 3:17 says, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
Showing kindness makes us much happier too!
When we are kind, joy (Psalms 41:1), happiness (Proverbs 14:21), and honor (Proverbs 11:16) follow. When we encourage and strengthen others, we ourselves are encouraged and strengthened. When we lift them up, we are lifted up. Kindness is powerful! There have been numerous occasions where I went to work with a heavy heart but as soon as I started to speak kindness to my students, my spirits were lifted.
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)
Kindness is no small thing. It can yield fruit in our lives and in the lives of others. It is not meant for just a season but for every moment of every day and it is for absolutely everyone. Be Jesus to someone today by showing them the power of kindness! You will not only bless their lives but your own as well!
You can also read 10 Inspiring Scriptures about Kindness and subscribe to my newsletter to receive a FREE printable of the scriptures found in that post on my blog, Faithing It.