Sprinkle kindness around like confetti!
I remember reading these words for the first time on a co-worker’s phone case years ago. Since then I’ve seen them on clothing, notepads, and social media just to name a few. I love the idea but it makes it sound like kindness is just a pleasant attitude or a sweet nature - something easily sprinkled like confetti. True kindness comes directly from the Spirit and the Bible shows us that it is complex and far more powerful and compelling.
In Scripture, the word translated “kindness” is sometimes translated “good.” It means to be benevolent, profitable, useful good in character, and beneficial in effect. The kindness inside us, in other words, becomes the goodness that others receive from us.
I love the story of Dorcas; a Christian woman known for her good works and acts of love for the poor. Her relationship with Christ moved her to pour out her life in acts of kindness toward those in need and she was loved by her community. When she became ill and died, the believers who knew her sent for Peter.
“Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. (Acts 9:37-39)
The widows knew Dorcas genuinely cared for the people she served with her acts of kindness. They weren’t grieving because she could no longer make them garments; they missed her. Peter was moved by their grief. He sent them outside, prayed to God and He raised her from the dead.
Dorcas’ acts of kindness pointed others to the love of Christ and as a result of being raised back to life, many put their faith in Him. Her life is a powerful and beautiful example of kindness and the impact it can have.
Jesus is the perfect depiction of kindness. He restored Bartimaeus’ sight, just as he requested. He healed the leper, ate with sinners and He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. His ultimate act of kindness was dying for our sins so that we may have eternal life. (Titus 3:4).
As followers of Jesus, we, too, should be characterized by kindness. The Holy Spirit is working to produce this fruit within us and when we share it, we share His love and we reflect Christ in us.
The Proverbs 31 woman is another lovely biblical example of kindness in action. For her, kindness begins at home with her children and husband.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; husband also, and he praises her (v. 26-28)
For me, nowhere am I more tempted to be selfish and lazy than in my home. There are days when I’m so tired, discouraged, or preoccupied that I don’t make time to talk, or listen, to my children or carry out small acts of kindness that would bless my marriage. I know the best way to teach kindness is to show kindness - to them and others. It's not enough to just attend church or pray together. I must abide in Him and ask for His love, peace, and patience so He will abide in me (John 15:4). The gifts we are granted from the Spirit are all connected, and displaying just one of them feeds all of the others. Romans 2:4 tells us that God’s kindness is to lead us to repentance, and with our kindness, we can show our families what God’s overwhelming and undeserved kindness looks like.
Comments