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.
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.