Kindness is the act or the state of being kind, being marked by good and charitable behavior, pleasant disposition, and concern for others. It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and religions.

The world’s definition of kindness. It seems generic to me, an afterthought.  It doesn’t seem like it’s very important by that definition. A great idea but a waning concept? How often do we practice kindness in our culture, in our religion, in our every day life? How important is it?  Sometimes it’s hard to see in our culture of “me first” and “our right to have an opinion on anything and everyone”.

I’ve thought a lot about kindness today and how often I have failed at being kind to others. I am often opinionated and judgmental. And all that under the guise of being “right”! I’m finding that being right isn’t nearly as important anymore as being kind and loving. My prayers of late have been part confession and part pleading. I no longer want to see kindness as an afterthought. Or something that’s okay when it’s easy but not okay in difficult circumstances….with difficult people….in the midst of difficult days. God has brought me a long way from that selfish person. Not that I don’t have my moments. My prayers for those “moments” have been for God to take from me any words to say! You might be surprised how often I find myself with no words to say! I continue to be a work in progress.

I think the world’s definition of kindness is lacking. I think kindness has become an emotion that is meant to make us feel good. Paying it forward~ somehow we get something out of it. I think God’s definition of kindness is more selfless.  Romans 2:4 states that God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance. And the ultimate in kindness… But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

I’m reminded in Galatians 5 that kindness keeps good company. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. I think there comes a day for each one of us that we realize without a doubt that we can’t continue with the same old destructive habits. When excuses no longer work and our bad behavior should no longer be tolerated. If we truly believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in our heart…..then…..we can’t profess kindness with our words and not have it pour out of our heart through our actions.

There is brokenness in thinking that professing Christianity is enough. If we don’t practice  love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control then our lives are not a true reflection of God’s love and grace. We lose our witness and the world sees us as confusing.

I’ve come to a place in my life where all those things are more important than me being right….and I know that didn’t come from my own power. If you know me at all then you know that, too!

And I hope that reflects God’s love and grace!