Some clothing is advertised as “One size fits all.” While that may or may not be factual, the concept is intriguing. As we go through life, there is a behavior that “fits all” situations.
Situation #1: Some folks have been really nice to you and you want to do something nice in return, but you cannot afford to buy them a gift. What can you give to them?
Situation #2: Folks at work (or school) have continued to make your days difficult with harsh words and hurtful treatment. What can you do?
Situation #3: You’re out running errands and interacting with numerous salespeople, fellow customers and random people. Does it really matter how you treat them?
The situations are countless. But there is a “one size fits all” way to treat everyone that you encounter (i.e., people you like or don’t really like or don’t even know). The wise one said, “What is desired in a man is kindness” (Prov. 19:22). Consider a few thoughts about this great difference-maker.
Kindness is a command of God. “Be kind to one another” (Eph. 4:32). “As the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on…kindness” (Col. 3:12). God expects it!
Kindness is essential to our Christian growth. “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Pet. 1:5-7).
Kindness is at the heart of “The Golden Rule.” In summarizing our treatment of others, Jesus said, “Just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). We all want others to be kind to us!
Kindness makes us like our Father in heaven. When others mistreat us, we are to treat them kindly in return (Rom. 12:17-21), for when we are kind to our enemies and “do good” to them (Matt. 5:44), we emulate our God, who is “kind to the unthankful and evil” (Luke 6:35; cf. Matt. 5:45).
Kindness is a universal need and a universal language. Everyone understands a kind deed, and there is not a place you will venture this week that does not need you to be kind—in your home, workplace, school, church, stores, restaurants, etc. In describing the agape love that we are to have for everyone, we are reminded that “love is…kind” (1 Cor. 13:4), and it is a “fruit” that we must cultivate (Gal. 5:22-23).
Being kind doesn’t cost anything! It fits every situation that you will ever face! God desires kindness! Our world needs kindness! Kindness (in you!) is a difference-maker!