The Impact of Kindness Pt. 1 — Morning Devotions

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Transcript

I have friends who’ve just moved house, gone from one suburb to another, a new home, hours of packing behind them. I’m sure you know what that’s like, packing boxes and much more. Now, the lady told me that they were starting to settle in, but had not yet established their internet, but no problem. Their friendly neighbour offered to share her internet Wi-Fi connection with the password.

And when my friend told me, I was astounded. I’ve never heard of that happening before. A very nice gesture of kindness, I must say, and an understanding, generous neighbour offering a hand and thinking nothing of it. For me, it was a simple yet profound example of kindness which we very often take for granted.

One small act of kindness can spread far and wide.

Just like when you drop a tiny rock in water and watch the rings grow bigger and bigger. Think about holding the door for someone or giving a smile to someone who is sad or letting someone go ahead of you in the supermarket checkout line. These are tiny actions that might feel small and insignificant.

But they can change someone’s whole day. Did you know that being kind is good for your body? It’s true. When we do nice things for others, our bodies make special chemicals that help us feel good and stay healthy. And the scientists have found that people who help others a lot are often happier and healthier than those who don’t. Some of the best acts of kindness don’t need any words at all.

A hug, a smile, a helping hand. They are silent acts that say, I care about you without making a sound. In today’s world, kindness is underrated. We equate it with being nice or pleasant, as though it’s mainly about smiling, getting along with others, not ruffling feathers. Seems a rather mundane virtue. But the Bible presents a very different and compelling portrait of kindness. Let me take a moment to explain.

King David from the Old Testament led a turbulent life of ups and downs. He was in trouble many times and in fear of his life, and yet he wrote these words that we’ve got recorded in Psalm 145. The eternal is right in all his ways, and he is kind in all his acts. He stays close to those who call on him.

So God is kind towards us. It’s his nature to be kind, generous, and benevolent. He is eternal. His kindness is unending. Long suffering fills us with hope, and the amazing thing is that God’s kindness extends to each of us, no matter what we do.

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God’s nature to all of us

He’s not mad at me when I fail or turn my back on him. He pursues me with his love and kindness, and we often have a wrong view of God. We think that he’s unloving and harsh and unkind, waiting to whack us when we veer off track. But the Bible tells us something different about the character of God. His kindness is a beautiful theme throughout the Bible. The stories and verses in the Bible are filled with examples of how his kindness changes lives and brings hope to those in need.

God’s kindness is not a one-time thing. It’s a continuous, unending flow of grace and mercy. Lamentations chapter 3 says, How enduring is God’s loyal love. The eternal has inexhaustible compassion. Here they are new every morning. New. Your faithfulness, God, is as broad as the day.

So every morning brings a new start, filled with God’s mercy and love, assuring us of his support, and that can reassure you every day. You wake up to a God who is eager to shower you with His kindness and compassion. It’s important that you and I have a correct view of God, because what we believe about God will determine how we live. Your understanding of God’s nature and His disposition toward you as His child will impact how you see yourself and in turn, how you treat others.

And that includes this attitude of kindness. I discovered the Greek word for kindness is kratos. It means being useful and pleasant. It’s such a rich word. It combines the idea of being not only kind, but good. Nothing comes close to this word in our English language. Many Christians will tell you about God’s kindness. It’s seen in so many different practical ways. His consistent and loving character is clearly seen in the Bible in His love and protection today.

So let’s remember that God’s kindness is not limited to good times but is especially evident in our moments of difficulty. May you have eyes to see His amazing kindness today.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for your marvellous kindness: the supernatural loving and outpouring of kindness, graciousness, and love towards me. And Lord, may I be worthy of such kindness as I show that same kindness to others. Amen.

The Impact of Kindness Pt. 2 — Morning Devotions

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