If you have social media, it’s quite likely that you have witnessed the reality of people’s comments. People can say some pretty mean things out there! It seems the more political the tweets, posts, and videos are, the more rambunctious and rude people get when they express their opinion. The idea of civility, when sharing, seems to go out the window as people would rather talk than listen. While we live in an age where most have access to technology to share their perspective, this doesn’t mean that we should respond in a mean-spirited way.

Why the big deal anyway?

As followers of Christ, we are called to be kind. As one of the 9 fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, we are to treat others with benevolence and to be considerate of them… even if they do not deserve it! A person can have a bad attitude or be disrespectful to us, but we can right that wrong by being kind to them. The fruit of kindness is a powerful tool to display who God is and that He is working through us.

I recently had an interaction where the Holy Spirit was prompting me to be kind – and I initially did not want to! Earlier in the day, I went to the bank to withdraw money from my account. Since I did not have time to transfer it to my other bank, I came home, prepared my lesson for the night, and taught the group. After the lesson was finished, I struck up a conversation with a young man who shared how his day was not going well; he shared how various financial issues came to a head all at once and he didn’t know how or where the money was going to come from. As I’m listening to his situation, I feel the Holy Spirit tell me to give him some money. I initially agreed, but to be honest, it was going to be a small amount. Yet God wanted more from me in this instance… He wanted to teach me a valuable lesson.

Instead, the Holy Spirit prompted me to give him ALL the money in my wallet.

Say what?!? The logical side of me began rationalizing away, “I still have bills to pay” and “I can use this portion for that…”. Then the Lord reminded me of why, in this instance, I needed to give him everything – to demonstrate the kindness of God.

Let’s face it, we can all be kind to a degree, especially those we get along with or have a heart to help. However, what would change if we are radically kind in the moment God calls us to be? I’m talking about the kindness that defies human reason. When we walk in the fruit of the Spirit in extraordinary ways, past the point of comfort, convenience or sensibility, it can only point to Christ for why we do what we do.    

Although I initially resisted, I gave into the Lord’s prompting with joy because I knew it would best reveal God’s glory in that moment. An act of kindness not only met a material need, but hopefully softened a heart to receive more of God’s abundant love. The latter part of Romans 2:4 says it this way:

… “God’s kindness is intended to lead you (people) to repentance.”

Wow. What the Bible is saying is that Spirit-led kindness has the capacity to draw others to God. If we “kill them with kindness”, this opens the door for the recipient to realize their need for a Savior. It’s not always easy to be kind to those who are selfish, stubborn, and undeserving… but are we not, at times, some, or all of these, in the eyes of God? No wonder Scripture is full of instructing us to be kind – it has the power to soften hearts, including ours!

• “ Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

• “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…” – Colossians 3:12

• “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” – 2 Timothy 2:24

This week, I hope you can find an opportunity to be kind. I see this done in two ways – for those you randomly meet, such as a person at the store or perhaps a homeless person. Or, it could be someone you do know, but have not had an opportunity to pour out extraordinary kindness upon them… until now! Either way, ask the Lord, “Who do you have in mind for me to be kind towards?” then ask, “What would you like me to do?” Remember, God is so generous to us and kind beyond measure that we get to live another day! How are we going to be kind in this day that He has given us? These questions should help you listen closely to what the Lord has for you. Naturally, I’d love to hear about how the Lord has led you this week in displaying kindness to those that He puts on your heart.

Have a blessed week!