The scriptures challenge us with admonitions to have and to retain the highest moral attributes. "Kindness" is one of those qualities that we must seek to have and to express if we would live a life that is pleasing to God.
Kindness is an attribute that belongs, first of all, to God (Psalm 62:12). Our God demonstrates His own kindness and calls upon His creatures to follow His ways. When we worship Him we are acknowledging His kindness: "But as for me, in the abundance of thy lovingkindness will I come into thy house: In thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple" (Psalm 5:7). We are to think of His kindness as we worship Him (Psalm 48:9; 138:2). We are to sing about His lovingkindness (Psalm 59:16; 89:1; 101:1). Because His kindness is better than life itself, our lips should praise Him (Psalm 63:3; 107:8, 15, 21, 31). Because of His lovingkindness, glory is due His name (Psalm 115:1). We can rightly boast of His kindness (Jeremiah 9:24)! He has offered us salvation because of His own kindness (Psalm 6:4; 31:16; 51:1; 85:7; 109:21, 26). Because of His kindness we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22). It is abundant to all who will call upon Him (Psalm 86:5, 15). Our trust is in His kindness (Psalm 13:5; 52:8). His eye is upon those who hope in it (Psalm 33:18, 22; 147:11). His "marvelous lovingkindness" leads Him to hear our prayers and to stop those who would do us harm as we take refuge under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 17:6-8; 44:26; 59:10; 69:13, 16; 143:12). His kindness is our fortress (Psalm 144:2). His kindness is for our comfort (Psalm 119:76). Our confidence in His kindness, in this sense, helps us to stand unmoved in the midst of the storm (Psalm 21:7). This kindness is precious (Psalm 36:7). It is a never-ending stream to those who know Him (Psalm 36:10; 40:11; 52:1; 89:33; 100:5; 103:17; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1-4, 29; 136:1-26; 138:8). His revelation of truth to mankind is an expression of it (Psalm 119:124). Every God-directed step that we take in this world is an expression of His kindness (Psalm 25:10; 26:3). We rejoice in this expression of His kindness (Psalm 31:7). As we walk in the light of His word we are compassed about by His kindness (Psalm 32:10). When we feel like we are falling, but then turn to Him, His lovingkindness holds us up (Psalm 94:18). The earth is full of His kindness (Psalm 33:5; 119:64). It reaches to the heavens (Psalm 36:5; 57:10). His kindness toward those who fear Him is greater than the distance from earth to the heavens (Psalm 103:11). Yea, it is above the heavens (Psalm 108:4). We are drawn to Him by His kindness (Jeremiah 31:3). His kindness is indeed our crown (Psalm 103:4). In our day, His kindness is directed toward us in Christ (Ephesians 2:7; Titus 3:4).
We are to declare His kindness and His truth to all who will hear of it (Psalm 40:10). We yearn to hear of it in the morning (Psalm 143:8). Wise men will meditate upon His kindness (Psalm 107:43). Only those who forget His kindness will rebel against His ways (Psalm 106:7). As His children, we are also to show kindness (Psalm 109:16). The kingdom of Christ is established in lovingkindness (Isaiah 16:5). Maintaining kindness is a part of turning to God (Hosea 12:6). We are to love kindness as we walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). We are to show kindness and compassion every man to his brother (Zechariah 7:9). Kindness will make us desirable among right-thinking people (Proverbs 19:22). Genuine kindness is not self-declared. You ought not draw attention to your own acts of kindness. They will be self-evident (Proverbs 20:6). The "law of kindness" belongs on the tongue of the virtuous (Proverbs 31:26). Those who follow after kindness and righteousness find life (Proverbs 21:21). We will reap according to the kindness that we sow (Hosea 10:12). God is kind to those who are evil and unthankful and we should have this same quality (Luke 6:35). Love is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4). Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit that will be seen in all who allow the Spirit to direct them (Galatians 5:22). Christians, of all people, are to put away all anger, wrath, and malice. God's children are to be kind and tenderhearted toward one another (Ephesians 4:32). We are to put on hearts of compassion and kindness (Colossians 3:12). Our faith will supply us with brotherly kindness (2 Peter 1:7).
Some unknown author has written,
Kind hearts are the gardens,
Kind thoughts are the roots,
Kind words are the blossoms,
Kind deeds are the fruits.
We appreciate the recent "random acts of kindness" movement in this country. It is a movement that ought never die among God's people. Today, if you will, find some opportunity to be kind to someone who cannot return the favor. Even better, show kindness to someone who does not know you and will not discover your name. Make it your goal to be kind rather than to be appreciated for being kind. The distance between these two goals is very great. The joy that you give to the other will be multiplied in yourself. You will be acting in a godly way and you will be blessed (John 13:17).
