In a World Where You Can Be Anything, BE KIND

Kindness. What does it mean to be kind? How important is an act of kindness?

First, I checked out The Webster 1828 Online Dictionary for the definition:

“Disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent; benignant (kind, gracious, favorable). Proceeding from tenderness or goodness of heart; benevolent; as a kind act; a kind return of favors.”

The Bible states in Luke 6:35 “God is kind to the unthankful, and to the evil.”

Ephesians 4:32 “Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted...”

It looks like being kind is a very important attribute of GOD, and He in turn commands us to be kind.

I have heard sermons and teachings that the fruit of the Spirit, goodness, is synonymous to kindness. Yet I believe kindness can stand on its own. Being kind is so resilient that it could act like a blanket where all the rest of the fruits of the Spirit rest in and easily grow in our lives. Kindness may be on the same level as walking in love. We cannot walk in love if we are not kind. Plus, do not put being nice in the same vicinity with kindness. Nice is an outward act that may not line up with our heart. Kindness must come from our hearts.

How in the world do we be kind in this progressing-towards-darkness, unkind society? This can seem to be an impossible task. Look at Galatians 5:16 and 18 where we are told to walk in the Spirit and to be led by the Spirit. Then in John 10:4, 27 we are told that, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.” Therefore, if I want to be kind like GOD is kind, I must know how to hear Jesus’ voice, walk in the Spirit, and be led of the Spirit.

How do I know Jesus’ voice? Face to face is the only place.

What does it mean to be Face to Face? Picture this: sitting at the kitchen table with a loved one, Mom, Dad, Husband, Wife or a good friend. While talking, the TV would be off. Cell phones across the room are turned off. Deep in conversation. The body language would be leaned forward and fully engaged, so when someone teases, both will laugh. If you cry, they cry. Never talking over one another, holding to every word.

This is what we need to do if we want kindness working in our lives. We need to take time every day to engage with Jesus. Turn off all noise. Put the Bible in front of you and act like Jesus is sitting in front of you. Engage. Pray, worship, sing softly and then listen for His words specifically to you. This is how to be Face to Face with our Savior, Jesus Christ, getting to know Him until we know His voice so well that even in a crowded, noisy room, just a tiny whisper from our Shepherd we will hear. Getting to know the Maker of kindness will pour the oil of kindness all over us and spill out all around us.

How important is kindness? Look at Matthew 25:31-46, The Judgment of the Nations. This judgment takes place after the 7-year Tribulation. Jesus is sitting on His Throne of Glory and will be separating the sheep nations from the goat nations. (The Church is not part of this judgment.) The sheep will be blessed of the Father. The goats will be sent to everlasting fire. Take a close look at the reason for the judgment. It all stands around how kind they were. Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.” Being kind.

Remember, If GOD tells us to do something, He would never tell us to do something that is impossible to do.

So, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.