The Disappearing Act of Kindness

On By EfuaIn God, life

Kindness isn’t just about helping others even though that is the first thing that comes to mind when we hear that word. It’s also about our words. In a world where the loudest voices are applauded, a word where ‘tell it as it is’ seems to be the in thing, it seems we are watching the act of showing kindness through our words varnishing.

Recently The Pearls of Purity celebrated her one year anniversary and during the event, one of our guest speakers spoke about kindness and her words truly resonated with me. She said her story about how the Holy Spirit convicted her in this area. I have had similar experiences. I am a ‘tell it as it is’ person. I don’t like beating around the bush because truly I do not have the patience for that. Despite this, I am also a human whose feelings gets hurt when words are said harshly.

Recently I had a conversation with someone and we both saw things from different angles. Even though what I was saying was correct, my opinionated nature got in the way and robbed my approach of kindness. I left there feeling disappointed with myself and with the way I handled the situation. I didn’t speak to the person the way I would love to be spoken to. I didn’t practice what I preach at that moment. I didn’t represent Jesus Christ well. I wasn’t the light and salt I am supposed to be. The conviction was so real and the Holy Spirit remembered me of kindness and of how our words are to be seasoned with salt.

Are you kind?

Am I kind?

In a world that is so polarised, can we find kindness? With both extremes ready to fight dirty to air their view, is there kindness involved? How should Jesus’ representatives act in this present world? Are we allowing all of what is happening to prevent us from seeing clearly? Are we still human beings? Have we lost touch of the human nature in us?

I am good at showing act of kindness such as listening and being there for others, helping etc. I am currently working on seasoning my words with salt and making sure that I speak to others the way I want to be spoken to, regardless of the situation. People will forever remember how they were treated. There is never a good excuse to be mean and to hurt other people’s feelings with our words. There is a reason kindness and self control – wrapped in love – are fruit of the spirit.

Let’s remember to be kind to others. We may be the only reflection of Jesus Christ they get to see. Let’s not ruin our witnesses.

28 thoughts on “The Disappearing Act of Kindness”

  6. Efua, Thank you for this. This is a wonderful reminder to always be kind in what we say. And, yet, I think that word “kind” is often misused. The word literally means to do what is for the good of others, i.e. what will benefit them spiritually, emotionally and physically. Thus, false compliments and “white” lies are never kind nor is withholding the truth from those who need to hear it.

    I can’t help but think of Jesus’ words to the Pharisees, and some that Paul and the other apostles spoke to the same groups of people, and even the words Paul said publicly to Peter when Peter was not acting in accord with the faith he professed.

    And, too, I think of Stephen, when the religious zealots were about to kill him, and he had a face of an angel, and yet he said to them, “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” I think Jesus called the same people a “brood of vipers.”

    My point is not that we should go around “name calling,” but that “kind” and “nice” are not synonymous. Kind is saying and doing what is for others’ good, and that good being in the eyes of God, i.e. what is for their best, what will benefit them, and what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear. And, sometimes strong words are necessary when you come up against those who are Pharisees and those who are abusing others and are taking advantage of those who are weaker than them. And, this is often referred to as “tough love.”

    So, just saying that we need to be kind in the bible’s sense of that word and not by the world’s definition of what kind is, otherwise none of us would be sharing the gospel, for people consider that not kind or nice. But, we should always do and say what is for the good of others, for what will benefit them, and especially what is for their hope of eternal life with God and for their salvation.

    But, we need to be sensitive to how we say things, I so agree, for God still works on me in that area, too. So, thank you for this reminder. Good stuff here!

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    1. Absolutely and I totally agree. Kindness doesn’t mean avoiding the truth. Allowing our words to be wrapped in love will help us deliver our messages in a Christlike manner. I think you put it nicely. And listening to the Holy Spirit at all times is very crucial. Sometimes the Holy Spirit might make us shut up regarding addressing situations that are wrong because he wants someone else to address it. I am learning this as I am accepting that God has other mouth pieces and that He might want to use a more matured person to deal with certain issues.

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      1. Efua – amen to that! It all comes down to being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice and obeying him in whatever he tells us we must say, or not say, and following the example of Jesus, too.

        Thank you! I appreciate you! God bless!

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  8. AMEN! Just today, God was reminding me it is not about having the “last word” or trying to prove our point to death. Some people will never fully see our perspective, but there are ways to speak. I think sometimes He has been reminding me there is purpose in walking away. There is a turned cheek when holding the tongue. This really spoke to me and thank you so much for this reminder 🙂

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    1. It seems we are on same journey sis. I am naturally opinionated and I have a strong personality. My opinionated nature was truly fuelled as a result of the bullying I went through as a child. I hate being misunderstood and being misinterpreted (which happens too often sadly). Sometimes it seems no matter how clearly I say something, some people will still take it the wrong way. But like you said, I am learning the act of walking away in peace when necessary

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      1. YES! I very much am stubborn especially on my blog when trying to get my point across but alas, sometimes it won’t be. No matter how hard I try. I am very opinionated but can hold my tongue better in person…than perhaps on a screen haha, especially when trying to answer comments on my posts in particular. But God uses it as a reminder and I’m thankful for Him! 🙂

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