Kindness

Day 14 - Kindness

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient and kind…”

It feels like we live in a world where kindness is in short supply. People are impatient. Everyone wants things done their way and right now. Behind screens and keyboards, words are typed quickly and often harshly. Even face to face, it can feel like there is very little room for people who think differently, look differently, live differently, or see the world through a different lens.

There seems to be an unspoken rule that kindness is reserved only for people who agree with us, act like us, or live like us.

But if we are going to be more like Jesus, this is one area where the difference should be unmistakable.

Kindness is not optional for the follower of Jesus. It is central to who we are. The world does not need more opinions. It needs more people shaped by the kindness of Christ. Scripture tells us that love is patient and kind, and kindness is not a personality trait or a preference. It is a fruit produced by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is our example. He was kind to everyone at all times, even Judas, the one who would betray Him. His kindness was not weakness. It was love choosing to move toward people rather than away from them.

The word “kind” in Scripture is a verb. It requires action. You cannot simply claim to be kind. Kindness has to show up. It begins in the heart, but it must be lived out in real relationships. It must show up in our homes, in our marriages, in how we speak to our kids, in how we treat strangers, and even in how we respond to people who frustrate us.

Kindness is an overflow of living in and out of the love of God. It is love choosing to be useful for the good of someone else.

And it is important to remember this. Kindness is not something you do for yourself. It is something God does through you for the sake of others.

So be kind.
Not because the world is kind.
Not because people deserve it.
But because Jesus is forming His heart in you.

Reflection
Where has impatience or frustration crowded out kindness in your life lately?
Who is one person God may be inviting you to intentionally show kindness to today, even if it feels undeserved or inconvenient?

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for the kindness You have shown me.
Shape my heart to look more like Yours.
Help me to be patient, gentle, and intentional in how I treat others.
Let Your kindness flow through my words, my actions, and my relationships today.
I want to be more like You. Amen.