Kindness 

Lately, everywhere I go I seem to see the word kindness in different forms and it has made me think about the nature of kindness. As disciples of Jesus, we are suppose to act with kindness to everyone. It is part of who we are in Christ. Acting with kindness I am sure is something we all hope we do, but it is also a type of behaviour that we should be intentional about. We need to be kind with our heads, hearts and hands. In other words, our thoughts need to be kind, we need to have hearts brimming with kindness and love and with our hands, we need to kind in our actions.

Being kind with our thoughts is not always easy. How many of us get irritated with others? How many of us have jealous thoughts? How many of us judge those around us? So many negative thoughts can creep into our minds, taking away the kindness that we should be thinking towards others. Our negative thoughts keep us from feeling the kind thoughts we should be having. In Romans 12:2, Gods Word states: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  God is telling us not to conform to the world of darkness and negative thoughts. Instead we must renew our minds. We need to be honest with ourselves and challenge our thinking. We cannot let dark thoughts cloud who we are. With God's help we have to take control of our thoughts. God is wanting us to renew our minds as we become disciples of Jesus. Therefore we need to let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes (Ephesians 4:23). As our thoughts become centred on kindness and love, so our minds will be transformed in whom we are and change our outlook on our own lives.

The thoughts we have control our hearts. If our minds are full of negativity, then our hearts will be too. As our minds are transformed, then our hearts will be filled with kindness, love and compassion for others. We cannot let our minds and negative feelings rule our hearts and how we feel about others. We should be showing love and kindness to those we meet. It is not always easy. We have to let go of past hurts and forgive, after all we have a loving Father who forgives all. Ephesians 4:32 says "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Let your hearts be renewed with love as you align your life with God's plan over your life. See how your life becomes brighter as your mind and heart overflows with kindness as God intended.

It is one thing to have thoughts and feelings of kindness towards others but we must put these thoughts and feelings into action - to do acts of kindness. Colossians 3:12 says "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." We must clothe ourselves in the kindness given to us by the Holy Spirit to meet the needs of others and to serve others. Kindness in action can come in many forms from checking in with a friend, to helping someone cross the road, to praying for someone to suggest a few. We often think it should be big acts of kindness but it is often the small acts of kindness that can mean so much.

Essentially, being kind to others should be a way of life as followers of Christ. Romans 12:10 says “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other.” Think about who you can show kindness today and every day. You can become a beacon of kindness and love, showing the way to Jesus.