BE KIND

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 NLT

Have you ever received an act of kindness from someone you least expected? Or maybe you have shown it to someone other people consider to be unworthy? This was the scenario Jesus painted when He told the parable of the Good Samaritan. 

There is much to be learned from the parable of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus tells the story of a man who was robbed and left to die. A priest and then a Levite noticed him but both of them passed on the opposite side. A Samaritan, on the other hand, was kind enough to patch his wounds, carry him to an inn where he could recover, and pay an innkeeper to look after him. Bear in mind that historically, Samaritans and Jews had animosity towards each other. What a great level of kindness!

To be kind is to be compassionate, gentle, and good. Brethren, do you possess these qualities? How kind are you to those who offend you? As our anchor scripture says, be kind regardless and forgive. Kindness shouldn’t be conditional. You shouldn’t show kindness only to those you love, but to everyone.

Jesus, our great example, not only taught kindness, but He also demonstrated it during His earthly ministry. In Matthew 14:14, He had compassion for those who were sick and was moved to heal them. Also, He was concerned about the welfare of others, and He was moved to compassion because they had not eaten (Matthew 15:32). He would eventually feed 5,000 men that day miraculously!   

As believers, we have the Holy Spirit indwelling in us. This is made possible through God’s plan of salvation for mankind (Titus 3:4-5). As a result, we can act and live like Christ. As explained by Paul in Galatians 5:22, we can show love to others, which is an act of kindness. Our conduct can be influenced by the Spirit of God to act and live accordingly. 

Colossians 3:12 (NIV) says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” 

As God’s chosen people, kindness is not just an act, it is a fruit of our Spirit. This is evident in how we treat others, our prayers for the lost and the unsaved, and our reactions to people who hurt us. Even when the actions of others seem deserving of a harsh reaction, let your default reaction be kindness. If Jesus was kind by showing compassion, the same is expected of us. 

As believers, we are distinguished by our fruit. Our character and attitude towards people and situations should not be like the world’s because we have been separated from the world. By the Spirit, we can be kind and compassionate. Be like your Father. Be kind and tenderhearted.

Bible Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57