Kindness

Kindness as defined in the Dictionary is: the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Biblical Kindness:

The Hebrew word translated into the English kindness is chesed. It means compassion and faithfulness to one’s obligations as well as to relatives, friends, and even to slaves.
The Greek word translated into the English kindness is chrestotes. This word describes goodness, uprightness, generosity, and graciousness.
The Biblical thought is that kindness is an attribute of God. In Galatians 5:22 It is named as part of the fruit of the Spirit, meaning it comes from God.

So, why is kindness so important?

Paul Tells us in Titus 3:4-7 – ‘But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us —not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. ‘
God’s Salvation freely offered to all people through the Finished work of Jesus on the cross is the greatest showing of kindness ever. God is compassionate, considerate, friendly, generous, good, gracious, and faithful. He is the embodiment of kindness. He exemplified true kindness in paying for and offering us Salvation.
He also wants us to be kind and show kindness to others.
‘Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.’ Colossians 3:12-13
We are to put on kindness as we put on a shirt. We have to choose kindness, it doesn’t come natural for people stained by sin. Every time we are irritated, annoyed, betrayed, let down, or whatever the case may be we as God’s people need to choose to be like our Savior, and that means showing kindness. Especially when people “don’t deserve it”. The truth is none of us deserve kindness, but God is kind so He showed us kindness, and in turn we need to show kindness as well.