Kindness

Kindness is at the very heart of the Christian life. The Bible calls us to embody compassion, forgiveness, and love and history shows us powerful examples of this lived out in the UK during the 20th century, such as the work of the British Red Cross during wartime relief efforts.

Kindness is not optional for Christians. It is commanded. Scripture reminds us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This verse captures the essence of kindness as its rooted in God’s forgiveness and love.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates kindness to the marginalized: the leper, the Samaritan woman and the tax collector to name but three. His acts were not mere politeness but radical compassion that broke social barriers.

The book of Galatians lists kindness among the fruits of the Spirit, showing that it is evidence of God’s work within us.

Proverbs in the Old Testament shows how kindness can be transformative: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Kindness heals, uplifts and restores.

Kindness is more than sentiment, it is action. It is feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, forgiving the offender and speaking words that build up rather than tear down.

Christians are called to be “salt and light” in the world. Kindness is one of the most visible ways we shine God’s light. In families, kindness is able to soften conflicts, strengthen bonds and teach children the love of Christ. In communities, random acts of kindness can include volunteering, visiting the lonely or helping a neighbour. In workplaces, Kindness can transform environments, replace competition with cooperation and hostility with respect.

Kindness is contagious. One act inspires another, creating ripples that extend far beyond what we can see. If a car driver lets you out, you, like me, are more likely to let another driver out. A small act of kindness can have a big impact on somebody else.

In the 20th century, Britain faced two world wars, economic hardship, and social upheaval. Amid these crises, the British Red Cross embodied Christian kindness through service and sacrifice.

During World War I and II, volunteers provided medical aid, food and shelter to soldiers and civilians alike. They cared for the wounded, supported refugees, and offered comfort in times of despair. Thousands of ordinary men and women gave their time and resources, showing that kindness is not limited to grand gestures but thrives in everyday acts of service. The Red Cross became a symbol of hope, demonstrating that kindness can flourish even in the darkest times.

In our modern world, where division and hostility often dominate headlines, the Christian message of kindness is more urgent than ever. We are called to forgive freely, just as Christ forgave us. 

We are to serve humbly by following Jesus’ example of washing His disciples’ feet and we are to love unconditionally by extending kindness even to those who oppose us.

Kindness is not weakness, it is strength. It reflects the very character of God who shows mercy and compassion to all.

Kindness is a divine calling, a reflection of God’s love in action. The Bible teaches us to embody kindness daily and history gives us inspiring examples, such as the British Red Cross in the 20th century, where ordinary people lived out extraordinary compassion.

Let each of us therefore commit to being kind, not only in words but in deeds. In so doing, may we become living witnesses of Christ’s love bringing healing, hope, and light to a world in desperate need.

Key Scriptures

Titus 3:1-7

Do What Is Good

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

Ephesians 4:32

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Colossians 3:12

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Galatians 5:22

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

1 Corinthians 13:4

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud

DAILY MESSAGES WITH MEANING (22/11/25)

Written by  NIGEL BINDING 

All photos courtesy of Unsplash