Kindness is one of the most underestimated forces in the Christian life. We often think of it as something small and optional. But Biblically, kindness is anything but insignificant. In Scripture, the word “kindness” (“chesed” in Hebrew, “chrestotēs” in Greek) describes a steady, loyal, active goodness that does not diminish based on circumstances. It doesn’t wait to be deserved. As the Bible reminds us, the price of our salvation reflects God’s kindness toward us:
“[Remind them] to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the KINDNESS and the LOVE of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior…” Titus 3:2-6
God didn’t save us because we were lovable—He saved us because He is kind. His brand of kindness is essential in our lives if we are going to be like Him. In fact, we are commanded:
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Our demonstration of kindness is clear evidence that the Gospel has transformed us. It is the proof that we are acting out of thankfulness for the forgiveness and mercy Jesus lavishes on us. But remember, God’s kindness in us is NOT produced by willpower—it is a fruit of the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” Galatians 5:22–23
We don’t manufacture kindness by trying harder. We produce it by staying close to Jesus. The more we have His mind and His attitudes, the more His kindness flows from us naturally, much the way fruit grows from a healthy branch. And did you know that showing kindness is actually good for our health? The Bible reminds us:
“A merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.” Proverbs 11:17
It’s fair to ask: “In a world that is so cruel and hard—how do we maintain a steady stream of God’s kindness?” Ah, we must stay close to God and maintain thankfulness for the kindness God shows us! He HAS done and IS doing so much for us! Life is crazy, but we must take time each day to remember that God is constantly blessing us with His kindness.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Psalm 103:2
God commands us not to forget, because forgetfulness is the seedbed of an ungrateful heart. An ungrateful heart will never overflow with kindness. When we “forget His benefits,” we begin believing we deserve every blessing we have.
Entitled people are always stingy.
Kindness dries up when we forget the kindness shown to us. So the Lord calls us to remember:
“I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11
Intentional remembrance softens the places hardened by stress, hurry, disappointment, and pride. When we rehearse God’s past faithfulness, we become more patient, more gentle, more gracious—because we see how patient, gentle, and gracious He has been with us. God reminded Israel of why they should show generosity:
“You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing [be kind] today.” Deuteronomy 15:15
God essentially says, “Don’t forget where I found you, how I rescued you, and how generously I treated you. Because if you forget My mercy, you won’t show mercy.” This spiritual principle at the heart of Christian kindness is:
You cannot give away what you have forgotten you possess.
But when we remember God’s countless kindnesses—His daily mercies, His rescuing grace, His unwavering love—our hearts stay thankful. And a thankful heart becomes a generous, kind, overflowing heart. Sustained kindness is born from sustained gratitude; gratitude rooted in remembering who God is to us.
So today, let kindness move from something we admire to something we practice.
Sacrificial kindness isn’t complicated—it’s simply love that costs us something. Stop to really listen to someone who’s hurting even when our schedule is full. Pay for a stranger’s meal and give them a Gospel tract. Offer to babysit for an exhausted single parent. Drive across town to sit with a lonely widow or take her to dinner. Write an encouraging note to someone who feels forgotten. Choose to show love to someone who genuinely wronged you. These simple acts are powerful because they require time, humility, intention, and compassion and they require that Jesus is on the throne of our heart!
When we practice sacrificial kindness toward others; we are reflecting God’s kindness to us.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the incredible kindness You have shown me through Christ. Help me never forget the mercy You are constantly pouring over my life. Fill me with Your Spirit so that kindness flows naturally from my heart to others. Teach me to recognize and appreciate every kindness I receive, and to respond with gratitude instead of entitlement. Let my life reflect Your character in every interaction—small or great. Make me a vessel of Your compassion in a world starving for grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
