God's Kindness to Us:
Ephesians 2:7
"So that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: God's ultimate act of kindness is demonstrated through the grace he has shown us in Jesus Christ. This kindness is immeasurable and eternal.
Titus 3:4-5
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy."
Reflection: God's kindness and goodness are the basis for our salvation. It is not our own works that save us, but God's mercy and kindness.
Romans 2:4
"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"
Reflection: God's kindness is intended to lead us to repentance. It is not to be taken for granted but should inspire us to turn from sin and towards God.
Kindness as a Fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Kindness is listed as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. When we walk by the Spirit, kindness should be evident in our lives.
Colossians 3:12
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Reflection: As God's chosen people, we are called to clothe ourselves with kindness, along with other virtues. Kindness should be a defining characteristic of our lives.
2 Peter 1:7
"And godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."
Reflection: In the progression of spiritual growth, kindness (here translated as "brotherly affection") is a step towards the ultimate goal of love. Kindness is an essential aspect of our spiritual development.
Kindness in Our Relationships:
Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: We are called to be kind to one another, which involves being tenderhearted and forgiving. Our kindness should mirror the forgiveness we have received in Christ.
1 Corinthians 13:4
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant."
Reflection: Kindness is an essential aspect of love. True love is characterized by patience and kindness, not envy, boasting, or arrogance.
Proverbs 31:26
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
Reflection: The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 speaks with wisdom and kindness. Her words are marked by a teaching of kindness.
Kindness to Others:
Luke 6:35
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil."
Reflection: Jesus calls us to show kindness even to our enemies, just as God is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Kindness should extend beyond those who are kind to us.
Proverbs 11:17
"A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself."
Reflection: Being kind not only benefits others but also ourselves. Cruelty, on the other hand, ultimately leads to self-harm.
Proverbs 19:17
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."
Reflection: Kindness to the poor is viewed as lending to the Lord himself. God takes note of our acts of kindness and will repay us.
Kindness in Our Speech:
Proverbs 15:1
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Reflection: Kind and gentle words can diffuse anger and conflict, while harsh words only escalate the situation. Our speech should be marked by kindness.
Ephesians 4:29
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Reflection: Our words should be used to build others up and impart grace, not to tear down or corrupt. Kindness in our speech is a means of giving grace.
Colossians 4:6
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Our speech should always be gracious and appropriate for each situation and person. Kindness should season our conversations.
Kindness and Wisdom:
Proverbs 14:21
"Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor."
Reflection: Showing kindness to the poor and our neighbors is commended, while despising them is considered sin. Kindness is a mark of wisdom and righteousness.
Proverbs 21:21
"Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor."
Reflection: Pursuing kindness, along with righteousness, leads to life, righteousness, and honor. Kindness is a wise pursuit that yields positive results.
James 3:17
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: True wisdom from God is characterized by gentleness (related to kindness), along with other virtues like purity, peaceableness, and mercy. Kindness is a mark of heavenly wisdom.
Kindness and the Gospel:
2 Timothy 2:24
"And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil."
Reflection: As servants of the Lord, we are called to be kind to everyone, even when facing evil. Kindness should mark our interactions as we represent Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:7
"But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children."
Reflection: Paul describes his ministry among the Thessalonians as being gentle and nurturing, like a mother with her children. Kindness and gentleness are important aspects of sharing the gospel.
Acts 28:2
"The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold."
Reflection: The kindness shown by the Maltese people to Paul and his companions is commended. Their practical acts of kindness demonstrated a receptiveness to the gospel message.
Kindness and Forgiveness:
Genesis 50:21
"'So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.' Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them."
Reflection: Joseph showed kindness to his brothers, even after they had wronged him. His kind words and actions demonstrated forgiveness and a desire for reconciliation.
Ruth 2:20
"And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, 'May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!' Naomi also said to her, 'The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.'"
Reflection: Boaz's kindness to Ruth is seen as a reflection of God's own kindness. His kindness went beyond what was expected, demonstrating a heart of compassion and generosity.
Psalm 141:5
"Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds."
Reflection: The psalmist recognizes that even a rebuke from a righteous person can be a kindness. Kindness sometimes involves speaking hard truths for the sake of correction and growth.
Kindness as a Witness:
Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Our acts of kindness and good works can be a powerful witness to others, causing them to glorify God. Kindness is a way of letting our light shine before others.
1 Peter 2:12
"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Even when faced with accusations and persecution, our honorable conduct and good deeds (including acts of kindness) can lead others to glorify God. Kindness is a powerful testimony.
Romans 12:20
"To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.'"
Reflection: Showing kindness to our enemies is a way of overcoming evil with good. It has the potential to bring conviction and change in their hearts. Kindness can be a means of bringing others to repentance.