What is love and how do we know if it is lasting?  I have asked myself this question throughout the course of my life.  Time and time again, I have been reminded what lasting love looks like by looking in God's Word.  In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV, I have been able to read, see, and feel what true love looks like.  It isn’t just some reading that is popular at weddings and it isn’t just some nice sounding script that looks good on a Pinterest plaque.  It is a description of who God is while also being a guidebook for how we are to love. 

While the first aspect of love in 1 Corinthians is being patient, the second characteristic of love is being kind.  Kindness is defined as being friendly, generous, considerate, and concerned for others without expecting praise or reward.  However, Christ-like kindness isn't just being friendly or generous, it also includes humility and putting the needs of others ahead of your own.  It includes love, joy, and peace.  It includes selflessness, as Christ showed himself to be selfless.  It includes forgiveness as we have been forgiven.

“Let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth.”- 1 John 3:18 NIV

We aren't just to talk about kindness but to do kindness.  Kindness isn’t just smiling at a stranger on the street or letting a car out in traffic, although doing these things is always a good idea.  It is so much more.  When we show kindness to others, it should be from an outpouring in our hearts, not just an action to make us look or feel good.  True kindness leads to lives changing and hearts being lightened. 

We all long for kindness from others.  During the pandemic, an A-List actor produced a video series called SGN (Some Good News).  These videos were viewed by millions of people.  They focused on the kindness and selflessness shown by people during the pandemic.  During a time when people were feeling isolated and in despair, these videos brought the feeling of relief and happiness while reminding people that they weren’t alone. 

Throughout the New Testament, it is easy to see that kindness to others was a big part of Christ's ministry.  He helped the lonely feel included.  He brought hope to the hopeless.  He loved the unlovable and healed the unhealable.  He put the needs of others first.  He sought out the needy and refreshed the spirits of those who had been ignored or mocked.   When others claimed that these people deserved to be outcast, Jesus instead made them feel that they deserved His kindness and love.  

“Let your kindness be evident to all.”- Philippians 4:5 NIV

Jesus’ kindness was obvious to all around him.  He did not show kindness when no one was looking, but instead he was kind to others for all to see.  He did not concern himself with what others may think of him or if they would praise him for his actions.  Instead, his actions were always focused on mending the hearts of people with eternity in mind.  

Anytime Jesus performed a miracle throughout his ministry, the people he encountered felt immense relief and were given new lives.  People who could not see had sight.  People who could not walk were leaping for joy.  He not only made their lives better but he also gave their lives new meaning.

In Luke 6:35 NIV, we can further see how kindness is tied into love and giving selflessly.  

“But love your enemies, do good to them and lend without expecting to get anything back.  Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of The Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”  

Christ loved us when we were ungrateful and wicked and we can love others because he first loved us (1 John 4:19 NIV).

One example of Jesus changing someone’s life who was considered by all to be wicked is found in Luke 19:1-10 NIV.   Zaachaeus was a wealthy chief tax collector.  His job was obviously to collect taxes, but during this time, the men in this position would also take money to keep for themselves.  Needless to say, he was not well liked.   Even though Jesus was mocked for going to the house of Zacchaeus, a  “sinner”, Christ put the needs of Zaachaeus over what others were saying about him.  Jesus showed him kindness in every sense of the word.  As a result, the heart of Zaacheaeus was miraculously changed and his life took a new direction. 

When Jesus gave to others and healed those in need, he did not ask for anything in return.  His kindness was truly selfless.  Another example in the Bible is the story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak and was immediately healed.  Jesus said that he felt power leave him and asked who touched him.  As she approaches Jesus in fear, he shows her kindness.  Instead of rebuking her, he tells her “Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48 NIV)

Not only did Jesus call her daughter, which was a term of affection, he also told her to go in peace.  It would be natural for the healed woman to question if what she did was right.  It would be natural for her to doubt if the healing was complete.  It would be natural for her to wonder if her illness would return.  Yet, Jesus seems to address her doubts and questions by telling her simply and boldly to go in peace.  He spoke to her heart in kindness, knowing that she would have doubts but reassuring her to have peace.  With true kindness comes the gift of peace.  

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ, God forgave you.”- Ephesians 4:32 NIV 

“Be kind and to forgive as God forgives us.”- Colossians 3:12-13 NIV

True forgiveness, the kind that Christ exhibited during his ministry, makes it easier for us to forgive and show compassion to others because we know how much God has forgiven us.  With kindness, compassion, and forgiveness all being together in Ephesians 4:32,  it shows us that they are all interconnected.  We cannot be kind if we don’t forgive.  And we cannot forgive without kindness.  And nothing can be accomplished without love.  

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV, lists the fruit of the Spirit, which are “Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  

As we know, the Holy Spirit is part of the trinity.  What makes God who he is is also what makes Jesus who he is is also what makes the Spirit who he is.  All this to say that the fruit of the Spirit are all characteristics of both God and Jesus Christ and that kindness is part of that fruit.  Just as Christ’s kindness was vividly seen by those he healed and those who watched him, our kindness should be as a fruit, filling to the souls of those we show kindness to.  

When we are kind to others in the way that Christ was kind to others and ourselves, we make an impact, an eternal one.  Just as we are called to love not as the world loves, we are called to be kind, not as the world is, but to love and show kindness the way that our Heavenly Father does.  When we show this kind of kindness, we give people a glimpse into eternity, offering them refreshment for their souls, with the peace and forgiveness that can only come from Christ. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrea Buie grew up as a South Carolina girl who currently lives in Georgia but her heart is in Colorado. She lived in CO for 5 years and was able to work for a Christian worldview organization called Summit Ministries. Her marriage is an example of how it's great to wait for God's perfect timing. She didn't get married until she was 40 and has never regretted the wait since her husband is perfect for her. Together, they have a furbaby named Maya and they love to take her on walks at the park near their home in Atlanta.