Be Kind

Now and then objects start appearing and we may wonder where in the world they come from and who is responsible. I am not talking about UFOs. Several years ago, little painted rocks started showing up on curbs, porches, and doorsteps. In recent weeks I have seen simple signs with a red heart posted on trees and poles. Two words appear on the small placards. BE KIND.

Seems like that is one message that should not cause controversy. That is assuming that permission was granted to place the signs where they did. Kindness is something that can go a long way in our world but does not seem to come easily for some people. For a person of faith kindness is not our highest calling, but it is something we are to do. Of course, one does not have to be a Christian to show basic kindness. Let’s look at some quotations about being kind.

Audrey Hepburn was a lovely actress and world-famous figure. What people may not know about her is that she grew up during World War 2 and was forced to hide from the Nazis. She dealt with a broken home, fear, as well as hunger. Later in her life, after her success in Hollywood, she became a strong advocate for less fortunate children. She traveled to difficult places around the world to make known the needs of destitute women and children. Hepburn said, “For attractive lips, speak words of kindness”. Although she was someone blessed with physical beauty, she saw attractiveness in kindness with words. She was kind in word and deeds.

What Aesop wrote is not a fable. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”. Perhaps you have done something for someone, and they thanked you. You may have responded by saying that it was nothing. We understand the meaning of that, but even a small kind act is beneficial. We may not have lots of extra money to be generous or even time to do kind things for others on a grand scale. But when we do the little things, they can become a big blessing to someone.

Amelia Earhart put it this way. “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees”. While she may not have exactly been an arborist, she understood the power of kindness. Sometimes kindness can have a ripple effect and create more of an impact than we know. One who has been blessed by another’s kindness is probably more likely to pass on kindness to someone else. And you have probably experienced what I have. When we show kindness to another, we ourselves are blessed.

The next quote is one that I really like. We can think about it when walking or riding a bike. Because kindness is something for you and me. To express it is something that brings glee. This quote is from someone who wrote more than one book. So, I ask you now to take a close look. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not”. These words from Dr. Seuss may seem simplistic, but there is an element of truth. We realize that ultimately only God can make a heart change. But he can use people in simple ways to encourage and build up others through kindness. Someone like you is one who is a child of God and is meant to impact lives through kind words and acts. We are told to be imitators of God, and he is certainly kind. God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance (Romans 2:4). One of the most common terms in the Old Testament to describe who God is and what he does is “loving kindness”. Since he has shown kindness to us, we should certainly do the same to others.

One fun way to be kind is to do so secretly. Each year our church provides 200 $5 bills and Random Act of Christmas Kindness cards to go with them. People leave them in all sorts of places along with a simple verse of God’s love at Christmas. Frank A. Clark wrote, “Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out”. Early in our marriage, my wife and I were given a large financial gift anonymously. We were shocked and blessed. To this day we do not know why it was given or by whom. When I think about it 20 years later, I am still pleasantly perplexed and grateful.

You have probably heard the term kill them with kindness. There are times when a person does not deserve kindness because of the way they are acting. It’s not always easy to be kind to people who are difficult. But when we understand the gospel, we know that we should not attach strings to our love for others and we should always be ready to be kind.

James M. Barrie stated, “Always be a little kinder than necessary”. It’s the extra mile lifestyle that Jesus talked about that can be a surprise and an encouragement to others.

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. If you have been to a wedding, you know that love is kind (1 Corinthians 13). To love as God wants us to certainly involves being kind. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). Since God forgives us, we are expected to do the same for others. And when we have a tender heart, it is easier to be kind. Paul also described kindness as something that we put on (Colossians 3:12). It is a choice we make for the sake of others. Our kindness should start at home. It can then extend to our church family and the lost world who may take notice.

Perhaps people come to mind in your life that you could show kindness to. Maybe there are ways that you can do or say something that reflects kindness. Perhaps you have had good intentions, but never seem to get around to doing what you should to bless someone. Do not put it off. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late”.