The Godly Character of Kindness

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1: 5-8

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.

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.

Because of the kindness of Jesus, the woman at the well came to know Him as her Lord and Savior. She then told her entire village about Him, inviting them to come and meet the One who changed her life. Within a few days many other lives were changed for eternity as they too were saved. One act of kindness leads to another and then another. The possibilities are endless for what God can and will do when you choose to be kind.