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What's Kindness Look Like?

by Jim Long

We like others to be kind to us, but being kind to them can sometimes be a challenge.

But it's amazing what happens when we rise to that challenge—when we take the bold step to show kindness to others. People appreciate our kindness and are often surprised by it. Sometimes our kindness reminds someone of Jesus.

We all know kindness is a positive trait, and we see the good it brings. So, what keeps us from freely expressing kindness?

Sometimes we hold back kindness because we're selfish and just don't get around to thinking of others. Other times we choose to withhold kindness because someone has been unkind to us: You treat me crummy, I treat you crummy. But isn't it precisely when others have treated us the worst that we have the greatest opportunity to show kindness? Isn't this the sort of kindness Jesus expressed—kindness even toward those who were unkind to him?

It's not surprising, then, that the Bible links kindness with forgiveness. (See "From the Word" at the end of this page.) Sometimes we have to forgive someone before we can be kind to them.

But it isn't enough merely to feel kindness toward someone. God expects more from us than that. Kindness must prove itself in action. Kindness does things.

Take out a sheet of paper and make a list of what kindness looks like. I'll start:

• Kindness smiles.
• Kindness says encouraging things.
• Kindness says "thank you" to a parent.
• Kindness shares with a brother or sister.
• Kindness cuts the grass or shovels the snow for an elderly neighbor.
• Kindness lovingly warns a friend who's heading in the wrong direction.
• Kindness drives patiently and carefully.

You add to the list: What else does kindness do? What can kindness do through you today?

Now, make another list, this time of things kindness refuses to do. For instance, kindness won't gossip, won't cheat, and won't make fun of others. Kindness doesn't have time to waste on pouting or jealousy. What would you add to the list?

Of course, lists don't mean much unless you do something with them. So, get started now, and show someone what kindness really looks like.

From the Word:
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32

The Power Pack 60-Day Challenge
In this "Power Pack," we focus on kindness. For the next 60 days, we challenge you to study Scripture passages about kindness. Then, after the end of this "60-Day Challenge," we hope you'll be able to say, "I'm a kinder person!"

Read it! May: Kindness in action Think about this: If you're not very kind, you're not much like Jesus. That matters, of course, because deep down inside, Jesus is the type of person you most want to imitate. Even people who could care less about Christianity would generally agree: The world would be a much better place if people were more like Jesus. How did Jesus show kindness? Find out by reading the Gospel of Luke, reading one chapter per day. (There are 24 chapters.) Keep a notebook handy. Every time Jesus does something kind, write it down. Ask yourself these questions: What did Jesus do that was kind? Who received the kindness? How did that person respond? How can I show that type of kindness? To whom? Now spend the rest of the month reading the twelfth chapter of Romans, once each day. What clues do you find about kindness in this chapter? Take a closer look at one verse, Romans 12:2. In this verse, Paul says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." How does this apply to showing kindness? June: UN-kindness in action Read the Gospel of Luke again, one chapter per day. This time, note every time someone is being unkind. Ask yourself these questions: What was the unkindness done? Who did it, and to whom? When someone received unkindness, how did they respond? When was the last time I acted unkindly toward someone? How did they react? Now spend the rest of the month reading the second chapter of James once per day. What does James say about kindness? And what does he say about people who withhold it? Focus on the first four verses of James 2. Sometimes it's easy to show kindness to people who are special, right? Have you ever acted that way? What does James say about that attitude?

Work on it! Here are some things to try in the next 60 days: —Start a "Kindness Journal." Challenge yourself to do something kind for someone every day. It doesn't have to be a big deal; kindness comes in small doses, too. At the end of each day, make a note in your Kindness Journal. Did you do something kind? What was it? Who received your kindness? —Write a thank-you note. Each of us are on the receiving end of kindness all the time. Sometimes we say thanks, other times we don't even notice that kindness has been expressed. Let someone know you noticed. —On a sheet of paper, list at least one kind thing you could do for each of the following people: a parent, a brother or sister, a friend, an acquaintance (a neighbor or classmate, perhaps), a stranger, maybe even an enemy. Can you predict what might happen if you make the effort to show kindness in this way? Write down your "prediction," give the gift of your kindness, and see what happens. Want more? If you've found this column helpful, you might be interested in the Deeper Devotions Series, also by Jim Long. It's Who You Are That Counts is a study of the Fruit of the Spirit. When Life Gets Tough is based on the book of James. Both are published by Zondervan Publishing House and are available at your local Christian bookstore, or for information, call 1-800-727-3480.

Copyright © 1998 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mail clmag@CampusLife.net May/June 1998.
Vol. 56, No. 9, Page 10

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