The Value of Being Kind

I don’t know about you but I want to be treated with kindness by others. It’s one of the first things we are taught on the playground in school. Play nice, share with others, take turns, and treat others the way you want to be treated. The playground in school as an adult is our life. Do we choose to be kind and loving or selfish and unbearable? WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35, ESV

The Defining Quality
At the end of your life, if you could be remembered for just one character quality, what would that be? If just one trait depicted what you stood for and what you valued most, what would you choose? Many answers are possible, but one key aspect of God’s character should be reflected in all of our lives. In Titus 3:4, the Bible tells us that the kindness of God, our Savior, appeared to us when His love saved us.
Kindness! The kindness of God. Kindness is a universal language that can be understood by old and young, rich and poor, male and female, deaf or blind. Kindness knows no language barrier. It has a universal appeal, like music. A friendly smile, a helping hand in times of need, support when we feel discouraged, and a word of encouragement—all go a long way to make the hardships of our lives easier and more bearable. Kindness does not cost you very much, but it can make a huge difference in the lives of those who experience it, as well as in the lives of those who share it. Kindness is a win-win situation.
A Lovable Christian
Jesus knew that the kindness of His followers would serve as a powerful testimony of their faith. Shortly before His betrayal and death, after washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus told them, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Ellen White echoes this insight: “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 470). When we deal with others in kindness, our love can reach hearts in unique ways beyond the borders of religion, ethnicity, and social status. I believe God created us with the desire to receive and share kindness, and doing so reflects the character of the God we adore. In Jonah 4:2 we read that God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness. The theme of God’s lovingkindness permeates the entire Bible, Old and New Testament.
Our acts of kindness bring comfort and joy not only to human beings but also to the heart of God. Kindness does not focus on the negative situations around us or on other people. Instead, it mirrors God’s charact
er and the way He deals with us. Let us focus on what matters in life and be known as people who are kind to all.