Why Kindness Is Important

I walked through the grocery store in the daze that seems to descend on your mind in the days after losing someone you love. I was a ball of emotion, ready to snap at the first person that looked at me sideways. I think, how can I be expected to deal with these people when I’m in so much pain?  Then when someone is helpful or sympathetic, I dissolve into tears. It’s always kindness that breaks down walls. 

Have you ever experienced something like that? I think on one hand, we’re wired to be drawn to kindness because we’re created in God’s image- our souls gravitate towards the characteristics of God. On the other hand, sometimes our response to kindness is so strong because we’ve either not seen enough of it, or stopped expecting it all together.

One Kind Word

As Christians who desire to lead people to Jesus, kindness is the key. One kind word can open the door to conversation, friendship, and beyond. We can see through Jesus’ interactions with people that He took the time to listen, spent time with them, and imparted truth.  I’ve gathered 8 scriptures about kindness to encourage and equip you to show God’s love through kindness. 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 4.32 ESV

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them

Matthew 7.12 ESV

So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2.7 NLT

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54.10 NIV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience

Colossians 3.12 NIV

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Romans 2.4 NIV

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6.10 NIV

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13 NIV

I hope you’ll take the time to meditate on these verses about kindness. You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: you never know what someone is going through, so be kind. ❤️