Developing Kindness

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”  – Matthew 7:1-3

What does biblical kindness look like? The simple answer is Jesus. Kindness is selfless, compassionate, and merciful which perfectly describe the heart and actions of our Savior. He made time to meet those in need and even went out of His way to make sure their paths crossed. No one was too far gone to receive the kindness and grace that He offered.

Over the last several weeks I’ve been wondering what the topics of the daily blog have had to do with kindness, which is the topic for this month. I try to share exactly what God is teaching me and what I believe He wants me to say. But with today’s verse, He helped remove the scales from my eyes and I finally could see.

When you realize that your own character and issues need as much work or even more than the person you constantly critique, you start to develop a softer side that wants to receive the same grace and kindness you should be showing to them.

Many times this month I’ve had moments where I’ve caught myself saying and doing the same things that drive me crazy in others. They have been humbling moments that have stopped me in my tracks and made me take a look at the enormous plank in my own eye.

What I’m finding is that the more I work on making the necessary changes in my own character, while leaving others in the capable hands of God, I am developing the Spirit of Kindness. I truly want the best for them and God knows exactly what that is. My part is to show them the same kindness that Christ is showing to me.

Godly kindness requires us to intentionally seek out ways to make a difference in the lives of others; especially those we may feel don’t deserve it. It’s in those moments that we need to ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” Our honest responses to that question will bring us to a selfless, loving and gracious answer.

Kindness, if practiced daily, will eventually become a habit and a lifestyle. We will begin to look for opportunities to walk alongside Jesus, being His hands and feet, to reach a world in need one person at a time, right where they are.