Do you know what sets people apart in a crowded world? It is not skin color, educational background, ethnicity, language, economic standing, professional title, talent, or even physical appearance. It is how they treat others.

Our world has become increasingly crude and rude. The “manners” mom insisted on have become rare. This is what sin does – it hardens people. A sin cursed world is a harsh one.

But there is one thing that is universal in every place where I travel. In every area, in every culture, in every situation KINDNESS is always refreshing. God’s people should be the kindest people because we have been recipients of Christ’s kindness to us! The sad reality is that sometimes lost people show more kindness than professed believers. If you don’t believe me, ask Paul…he said the barbarians showed him kindness (Acts 28:2). Followers of Jesus Christ should most reflect the character of the Lord, and He is always kind.

Kindness should grow out of our understanding of the kindness of God to us. Spend time meditating on the Scriptures that speak of our Lord’s kindness to sinners and it will give you a different perspective on both yourself and others. “For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 117:2).

How should this affect the way we live every day?

1. Kindness (like every good thing) should start at home. Proverbs 31:26 says that a kind tone is one mark of the virtuous wife and mother. But this is not just good for the ladies! 1 Corinthians 13 says that the love of God “is kind.” If we truly love one another it should be expressed through kindness.
2. Kindness should be a characteristic of relationships in the church. Paul said in Colossians 3:12 that we are to “put on” kindness. This is true church dress! Peter taught that we must add “brotherly kindness” to our faith and all other Christian graces. Notice that this is not the kindness of a friend – it is the ultimate kindness of family. Be kind to your brothers and sisters. The Father is watching and soon we will all join Him at His house!
3. Kindness should be shown to those who have done us wrong. Ephesians 4:32 connects the spirit of kindness and the act of forgiveness. Ultimately, it reminds us that Christ is our great example and enabler in responding to those who have mistreated us. No one could have been more kind to those who hurt Him than our Lord.
4. Kindness should be demonstrated to those who are disobeying God. It is the greatest kindness to tell people the truth! Speak to them in love with genuine concern for their lives. “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities” (Psalm 141:5).
5. Kindness should be shared by life and lip with those who do not know Christ. There is nothing more attractive than a Christian who speaking of Christ’s kindness to sinners and showing it by the way they live. Titus 3:3-6 says, “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.”

Society gets uglier with every passing day, but kindness is always beautiful. A mean world could certainly use some Christian kindness right now. Let’s ask the Lord to help us show the kindness of Jesus to to a culture that is anything but kind.

(Read 7 Ways To Show Kindness Today.)