Am I Kind?

One command or instruction in the Bible that may be more difficult to obey than we realize is the commandment to “be kind.” Paul wrote, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Paul not only instructed Christians to “be kind,” but he also described some of what that kindness involves.

Kindness is something that must be done. It is more than simply “not being mean” to others; kindness requires our action. In this verse, Paul instructs Christians to be “tender-hearted” and “forgiving” of each other. We need to have a deep concern for those around us and act on that concern. Kindness requires our action.

God demonstrated perfect kindness. In Titus 3:4, we read, “but when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,” speaking of Christ. God demonstrated His love and kindness for us in His Son leaving heaven and giving His perfect life on the cross. He has given us a perfect example of kindness.

So…am I kind? We have a commandment, a description, and a perfect example to consider; are we kind? Are we obeying God by demonstrating kindness to others? Are we as tender-hearted and forgiving as we need to be? Are we following the example of God the Father and His Son? Are we willing to ask and answer this question for ourselves?

Matt Langfield