A Missing in Action Word for Christians: Increasing Kindness

by David Chadwick

I want to urge all of us toward kindness during these times. Remember it. Reclaim it. And then today’s tip: increase it!

If you want to increase the weight you are lifting at the gym, what do you have to do? You have to add a little more each day. Over time, you will be able to lift heavier and heavier weights. The same holds true with kindness. Practice increasing in kindness a little each day and watch what happens.

Begin by thinking about the ways that people have been kind to you. As you do, kindness will grow in your heart! Then think about the unmerited favor that someone has given you. In doing this, you will desire to give unmerited favor to others.

How about an undeserved gift? Have you ever been given one? I remember when I was in seminary and I found out that someone had anonymously paid for my last year of education. To this day, I have no idea who it was! But it was a surprise display of kindness that allowed me to enter my first church completely debt free so I could fully focus on ministry. There is truly nothing like an anonymous financial gift to display kindness to someone else.

List as many illustrations as you can from your personal life of times when kindness was shown to you. After you make your list, you must first remember to thank God first. After all, he was behind all of these displays of kindness.

Once you have your list, I want you to think about a few ways to show this same kindness to someone else this week! Financially. Verbally. With a simple smile. A gift. Your presence.

Let your increasing kindness multiply and, as you move into next week, try to think of more ways to give it away. Over time, your kindness muscles will grow stronger and stronger!

Remember, if you follow Jesus, kindness is not optional. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

This is the gospel in action.

A Missing in Action Word for Christians: Reclaiming Kindness

by David Chadwick

How do we reclaim kindness? A term that is missing in action both in secular culture and among Christ followers. I strongly believe we are in times where those of us who profess Jesus as Lord must exercise kindness.

But how? Our world is so hostile and volatile. What do we even do?

I’m glad you asked.

We must begin with observing the nature and character of God.

God demonstrates his kindness to all of creation (Psalm 145:9). In fact, many theologians refer to his kindness as “common grace,” which means that even the wicked get to experience some of it. Those who rebel against the Lord still get to breathe his air, eat his food, and enjoy all of his goodness in this world.

Remember, as I mentioned to you yesterday, it is also the kindness of the Lord that brings people into repentance (Romans 2:4). While we were still sinners - enemies of God - Jesus still came and died for us (Romans 5:8).

This is the most profound belief of the Christian faith. The God of creation chose to come down to the squalor of this earth in human form to provide a way back to him. To this day, there has never been a more majestic display of love than this - seeing God come down to fight for a restoration of the relationship that was broken because of sin!

The kindness that God displayed in his quest to restore creation back to its original intent should draw those of us who profess faith in Jesus to a life of holiness and godliness. It should make us want to repent of anything that we know God hates.

Spend some time thinking today about God’s kindness to you. He did not give you what you deserve - an eternity in hell! Rather, because he is rich in grace, mercy and kindness, he chose to forgive you of your sins and offer you the gift of eternal life!

Thank him for this rich kindness. Both today and forevermore.

A Missing in Action Word for Christians: Kindness

by David Chadwick

I believe kindness is one of the things that is missing in action in today’s society. Where has it gone? Generally speaking, kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. If you were to look around, I bet you would agree with me that these traits are hard to come by right now.

Biblically speaking, kindness is also a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus expects it to be present in the lives of his followers. God’s definition of kindness runs far deeper than any cultural understanding. Micah 6:8 says we are to “love kindness.” Zechariah 7:9 says to “show kindness and mercy to one another.” Colossians 3:12 says we should “put on kindness.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 says that “love is patient and kind.”

Jesus said in Matthew 24:12 that the evidence of the end times will be that the love of many will grow cold. Can you see this happening? It is becoming increasingly common in our world to see the heart of humanity growing increasingly cold.

But in the kingdom of heaven, kindness is not merely a “feel good” emotion. The deep kindness of the Lord provokes a willingness to serve others - yes, even those who are ungrateful and difficult. Kindness gives us the power to do hard things. In fact, Romans 2:4 says that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. Think for a moment about the magnitude of power behind the kindness of the Lord! His kindness is so incredible that it is powerful enough to provoke lasting change in our lives!

I want this week to serve as a kindness check for all of us. Begin to check your hearts and examine yourselves to see where kindness may be lost, where your hearts may be growing cold. Then, I want to encourage all of us to reclaim kindness as a normal part of the vocabulary for Christ followers.

Kindness should not be an afterthought. It should not be a missing in action trait of Christians. We should exercise kindness as a regular, daily part of our lives.

Let’s start tomorrow by learning how to reclaim kindness!