Kindness (noun): the quality or state of being of a sympathetic, helpful, or forbearing nature
During a recent morning devotion time, I studied the words of Colossians 3.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
I wrote these reflections in my journal: I am God’s chosen one. I am Holy. I am dearly loved. In response to that great love, I choose to be, and I will become, compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient.
These words marinated in my mind as I went about my day. I headed out into the community with some young friends of mine, as we explored new places on a bright Friday morning. As my friends ran off to the swings, I stopped at the restroom. As I exited, I saw on the path up ahead, a grandmotherly woman walking towards the shelter. She was struggling under the weight of her items – she had a duffel bag slung over one shoulder, along with a purse, and was juggling several fold-up lawn chairs. She was moving slowly, so I caught up to her quickly.
“Can I help you with that?” I said. She accepted my help without hesitation.
Since she was carrying four chairs, I figured she wasn’t here alone. I casually asked, “Where’s the rest of your party?”, subtly implying – why isn’t anyone helping you with this? She nodded off towards the playground and commented on how they were already off exploring.
As I was unfamiliar with this park, and it was obvious that many people were gathering with lawn chairs, I inquired about what was happening. She told me that a children’s band would be performing shortly, and in fact, do so at this park every Friday morning. We finally arrived at her desired location and as we set up the lawn chairs, she let out a little bit of a giggle and turned to me to say, “I was just talking to the grandkids yesterday about acts of kindness. Thank you and God Bless”.
As I walked back towards the playground, I reflected on her parting words. She obviously interpreted my assistance as an “act of kindness”. However, when I first saw her struggling, I responded without thinking. I had not intentionally set out that morning with a mindset of “I’m going to bless someone today with an act of kindness”.
But I had set out that morning with Colossians 3:12 in my heart.
I realize that after making kindness an intentional way of thinking for so long, it’s become a part of my character. As I have grown closer to God, and accept the Holy Spirit as my guide, I grow more in likeness to Christ – who was a model of kindness.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
I support and encourage the efforts in the world that promote “Acts of Kindness”. Big initiatives around this concept have made major impacts across the world. The core of the matter comes to down to intentionality; not just about responding with kindness in situations that arise in your day, but to actively search out opportunities in life to give kindness, share kindness, accept kindness, and demonstrate kindness.
As we become more intentional about searching out these moments, we will become experts at it.
Being kind will become who we are, not just what we do.
As the scripture says, we will become “clothed” in kindness.
Then, when this character trait becomes so deeply embedded into our DNA, into our heartstrings, into our soul, nothing can stop us from letting it shine.