I grew up in the Midwest, but headed South after college in search of career opportunities and warmer weather. I eventually wound up in the Bible Belt, where I was swiftly initiated into the world of Southern charm. At first, I was shocked by how kind everyone was! But as the weeks and months in my new city went on, I realized not all of the “Bless your hearts,” were actual blessings. And most of the passing “We should get together sometime” farewells weren’t really future social invitations. It seemed that some Southern charm was actually just a cover-up for awkward situations. It was a way to seem like a nice person without ever actually having to do anything nice. Now granted, I still live in the South and have grown to love it. But I have to be watchful, even in my own life, of not mistaking being “nice” for genuine kindness.
In contrast, today’s reading reminds us of what real, Holy Spirit kindness looks like. And it’s about a whole lot more than just donating to charities and holding the door open for the person behind you. When we fully understand and begin to emulate real, Christ-like kindness, it will affect every aspect of our lives.
Titus 3 shows us that God’s love and kindness are not just genuine—they have a purpose: to lead us back to Him! (Titus 3:4–7). So when kindness is evident in our treatment of others, we, in turn, are pointing them toward God. Because “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (vv.4–5).
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to show graciousness and mercy to everyone, even our enemies. Yes, that even means the people we disagree with on Facebook, and the ones who have nothing to offer us in return (Luke 6:34–35). You see, kindness is at the heart of the gospel. We are all sinners and imperfect people who have been radically forgiven. There is nothing we could do to earn the love and mercy of the Lord, and yet He gives it to us freely. That’s kindness that we cannot begin to understand.
So as Christians, what does the Spirit producing kindness in us look like in everyday life? Maybe it’s the Lord making you a light in the world, offering hope to your coworkers or family. Or perhaps, it’s practicing graciousness in the middle of a difficult situation. Kindness might look like extending mercy to someone who has hurt you, whether they deserve it or not. Our kindness will play a huge part in our testimony, if only we will allow God to use it. But make no mistake, however kindness is exemplified in our lives, it is grown and cultivated by the Holy Spirit, a mark of His own kindness toward us.
Lord, open our eyes to see others as you see them: fellow image-bearers of our Creator. Make us instruments of your kindness and reflections of your mercy, even now.
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56 thoughts on "Kindness"
kindness is one i always forget about. it’s so easy to be fact southern nice and she talked about. my prayer is for genuine kindness to everyone around me.
One of my favorite Beth Moore quotes: “You can fake nice, but you can’t fake kindness.”
I love this! Let’s not ACT kind but BE kind❤️
great reminder of the importance of kindness
Amen.
❤️
Praying for you today, Lindsey!
Amen!
For Lindsey, I too struggle with being unkind to my husband. I get angry at his compulsive behavior and sometimes unsafe ideas, which can make me feel trapped! Will pray for you and myself that we can detach but be kind and have wisdom in our situations.
God guide me to kindness
Lord, make kindness my constant choice, my habit, my way of life. You are so kind to me, even though I don’t deserve it. Thank you for your kindness. May the Holy Spirit grow the same in me. ❤️
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Lord help me to forgive freely those who hurt me. Liberally pour out your holt spirit in my life so that my heart can be changed. Perfect kindness in my life so that I can lead others including my children and spouse to yiu
I have been very unkind to my husband. Very. Out of hurt and anger of his addictions. It’s been very hard to love him the way I should because of it. But I realize and know I’m not making it any better and I’m certainly not turning him to God with how I treat him. Please God help me to be the wife he deserves to help him through this. He deserves the grace and forgiveness from me. We are all so undeserving yet you still give it to us God. Please help me love like you. To be kind like you and to be forgiving like you. My husband is truly a good man and a good provider and I’m no better than he is with the way I’ve treated him. Please God forgive me! Please God help me do better!!
This also hit me as it relates to my kids, and especially my step daughters. I often feel unappreciated and disrespected by them which makes it really hard to show love and kindness. This was a reminder to lean on the Holy Spirit to do just that- show love and kindness even when they don’t deserve it, so that I can reflect Christ to them. Ultimately, that is my most important role as a parent and step parent- to point my children to Christ.
Praying for all that was stolen to be restored to you and that God would breathe on your ministry.
This was very timely for me today. I work as a missionary with tribal people and we have had our home vandalized, things stolen, and given only to have people demand even more. This was such rich encouragement for me to be kind and not to let my heart be bitter but to leave the accounts to God and just be kind where I can.
Show graciousness to others as god shows us.
Nhu, Amen and Amen!!!
I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the different between the two
Z Z geographic areas of our country. I think it is very
important that we, who profess to be Christians take a very hard look at exactly how “spiritually
incarcerated” we are – how far
from operating out of Christian
kindness we are on a daily basis. Particularly, as we are all involved in the Coronavirus which
may cause one to suffer from Post-Traumatic Coronavirus Stress
Disorder (PTCSD).
*That last part was supposed to say and ask Him to give me strength to be as gracious and kind as Him.
Thought of this verse from Proverbs 31 as I read through your comments:
26She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
When I used to do youth ministry a few years ago, one of the girls made me a birthday card with this verse, saying it describes me. I know that is not always the case, but I certainly want to be remembered in this way, particularly by my children. I’m often so quick to snap at them when I am sleep deprived and wanting to control everything, so really trying to remember Jesus is with me in these daily moments and talk with Him and ask Him to be as gracious and kind with my children as He is with me and to apologize when I am short/harsh/unkind.
Thats awesome
So thankful for all of your good comments, especially Nhu, Churchmouse, Tina, KJ Johnson and M. Loved that quote M! ❤️
Prayed for you Taylor! I remember finishing my last clinical of PA school and what an exciting time that was. Understand how anxiety can come too but praying God’s peace over you and that He draw you near to Him and grow in your trust in His sovereignty, goodness, love and provision in Your life.
Kindness should not be a cover for evil motives. I have seen kindness used to gather information for evil such as gossip and self gratification. Be sure to examine your heart to make sure it is pure.
Beautiful prayer! Thank you! ❤️❤️
Such a good teaching on kindness. I loved the Titus verse “ but when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us.” Now is the time for the church to step in we can make a difference.
I definitely love this verse, it speaks to me in the sense that I too need to walk with kindness and learn how to see others as God does. I pray God would help me not to be judgemental and always be willing to be kind to others.
I pray that Jesus will be seen in my actions towards others and the words I speak
Oh, yes, Lord. May kindness…Your kindness, be exemplified in my life. Help me to see others as You see them. Change my heart from self motivation, to seeking the well being of others.
Hi all. I don’t post very often but have been here with you all on and off for almost 2 years now. I’m typically days behind all of you and catching up as usual.I’m on day 4 and reading about peace. For Merideth Ashley and any of you struggling with peace I’m feeling that I should remind you to put on the armour god. Ephesians 6 11-21. I often pray this for myself and my family members. It helps me to combat negative thoughts which brings me peace. I hope this helpfull. Thanks to all of you for your continuous comments and insight. They are always helpfull. PEACE!
Kindness is such a soft and gentle attribute of Love but speaks volume. When I imagine Kindness as a person, I always see a gentle lady who almost floats around as she walks ( I don’t know why :p), who smiles often, and speaks wisdom with her soft and sweet voice. The Kindness that King David shows to the remnant of Saul, the son of his best friend Jonathan, was extremely touching to read and totally unexpected by the recipient- the lame boy. It reminds me of how many times I have been lame and could not walk, completely helpless, yet the King’s kindness has reached me where I was at (just like this story), He reached out and said come, eat at my table little girl, don’t be afraid, though people see you as unworthy and lame, but I see you as worthy to be seated at the King’s table, I will restore you. Can you imagine how much King David’s invitation did to that boy’s self-esteem? just like how much He has done for our self-esteem with His invitation to receive Him as Lord and Master. He picked us out from the chaotic dark world, in whatever condition He found us in, and RESTORED us by His Kindness, not because He owes us anything! Let the weak say I am strong, and the poor say I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us. Praise the Lord for His Great Kindness and the unsearchable depth of His Love.
Abbey really got my attention and made me realize what kindness really is.
I love how it describes the different ways of being kind. The practicing of graciousness in the middle of a difficult situation or mercy to someone who has hurt you.
❤️❤️❤️
We’ve been brainstorming ways to bring joy and hope to our community through acts of kindness. It’s difficult due to the current circumstances surrounding us, but SO needed right now. I pray God leads us and inspires as we move forward.
This morning I noticed that Luke 6:36, “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate,” perfectly mirrors Matthew 5:48, “You are to be perfect, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” I think it’s pretty spectacular that God simultaneously tells us to strive for perfection and to be understanding of flaws and missteps, including our own. A good reminder to give ourselves and others some grace.
Praying that I can show kindness to others. I’m thankful for the kindness that others have shown to me. I did not always listen as I was wanting to turn away from God out of hurt that came from someone close to me. But God was not going to let me stay away for long. So thankful!
Kindness is an action where something is freely given with love. Gentlenessis how it is delivered.
Im new here, info given from a friend. Such a trying time right now, Im so thankful to have She Reads Truth in my life now. Beautiful word of God seems just whats needed each day!!!
Lord, Help me to see others as fellow image-bearers of Your Creation. Help me to show kindness as others showed kindness to me when I most needed it. As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. I am so thankful beyond words how many people came alongside me and showed kindness when I most needed it.
It’s amazing how at a time in my life I am struggling with anger and emotions that God has brought me to this place and time that I might have found the exact bible study he knows I need. You are an amazing God and always know just what I need. Thank you Lord for the reminder of being KIND especially in today’s world where it seems all the goodness and kindness are disappearing. Thank you Lord for this lesson plan. Amen
This quote on kindness really resonated with me:“Kindness is loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness.”
Praying for you now- that your clients will be blessed by your kindness today! With your heart and attitude I can tell your future has lots of promise, do not be anxious about it just focus on Gods kindness and love for you! He’s got you Taylor!
It’s good for me to remember that is is Gods kindness that leads me to repentance. This is mind blowing and such a convicting reminder to me! I am quick to judge and condemn but that is not what draws me to the love of God-contrary to that it is his kindness that woos me over and over. Lord I pray for authentic kindness to flow out of me towards those I am prone to dismiss and judge. Give me your fruit Lord as I strive to abide in you.
Prayers of praise for you and your Son and for healing whether test is negative or positive. May you find God’s kindness throughout your day today.
My youngest son proposed to his girlfriend on Friday! They are both frontline workers (firefighter/medic & nurse) & deal with so much disease & death. It is wonderful to share in their joy & excitement!
Tina, you always make perfect sense. And it was interesting to see the illustrations of God’s kindness in today’s scripture.
Praying for you, Taylor!
Waffle on! It makes sense to this mama(and grandma).
Speaking the truth in love is also an act of kindness. I’m grateful for those in my life who did just that. Though it stung at the time, their words kept me from drifting from God. Kindness may not feel kind at the moment but in hindsight it was a gift.
Thank you for your discerning Scripture passages that led me, and us all, so well toward God’s kindness unfolded through the ages.
Thanking Jesus for the kindness He extended to me when I absolutely did not deserve it – and continue to be unworthy on a daily basis. May I show kindness to those I interact with today – especially my patients. I’m in the final 4 weeks of my clinical placement before I finish my master’s degree so would you mind praying with me that I finish my placement healthy and well, and to not be anxious about the future but trust in God’s will for my life? Thank you!
“Extending mercy to someone who has hurt you whether they deserve it not.” Dear God give me mercy, graciousness and kindness to see others as you see them. To love others because you love them and made us all equal in your eyes – made us all in your image. Let me not grow weary and continue to look for the good in others. Let everything I do be done in the name of Jesus. Happy Monday.
Good morning sisters. What a beautiful word about kindness.
I am so thrilled to share that my son proposed to his girlfriend on Saturday! They are a Covid love story- meeting through mutual friends at the start of the year and navigating a relationship through all the challenges. They met for the first time at the large train station in our city and he proposed at the train station❤️.
Then come Sunday and I was advised I have been in contact with a positive Covid case and had to be tested. It is at our town mission where I volunteer and I am praying for a super fast negative result as this is a busy week for us preparing Christmas packages and I love doing it, but now have to practice patience as I wait at home…which I am not good at.
However, I also know in these days leading to Advent I need to slow down, focus on Jesus and prepare my heart afresh to hear again and experience anew the glorious beauty of his coming.
Makes total sense, Tina! Many thanks to you – your words are always a blessing to me.
In a world where the season we all find ourselves in, is hard, lonely, confusing, I think any act of kindness right now, is important!
I work for a church, cooking for the disadvantaged in our community, they range from low income families to addicts to those sleeping rough…
It sure is an eye opener, and in this season in particular, I have witnessed kindness and love, afterall, it seems the world is adopting the phrase #bekind.
Human kindness is good.., great in this season..
But God..
In His economy of kindness, True Kindness, Holy spirit led kindness, I believe, can only happen, when Gods love is involved..
You are right, Abby, it does go beyond opening doors or giving to a charity.. true kindness is an everyday act of worship.. almost a pay it forward!
The kindness shown to us by God, can never be repaid, but, we can certainly show and do to the best of our abilities what has been shown/done for us!
Changing the words slightly from 1 John 4:19 ‘…we can show kindness from the heart, because He first showed us.. and how..’
It is not based on..I do you a kindness, I expect one in return.. it is love led, Holy Spirit led, and shown freely, no expectations in return..
#bekind, is a GOOD start..
But God..
Amen..
I waffle, but I hope this make sense to someone today
Happy Monday Monday wrapped in love. ❤