“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” (Proverbs 11:17 NIV)
The reason being kind is beneficial is because no one wants to be around someone who is mean. Take it from someone who can be really mean, it doesn’t get you anywhere. Being nasty to other human beings only brings ruin onto yourself. You don’t prove anything to anyone by how mean you can be, but you show true character when you show them how kind you can be. Jesus was kind. If you want to master the art of kindness, follow Jesus.
If you want to master the art of kindness, follow Jesus.
I recently turned fifty which has given me a new perspective on my life. I now have the luxury of looking back and seeing my mistakes. I remember distinctly how mean I was to Al Hoover in 8th grade. We had just moved to the area, I was in a new school, and he wanted to be my friend. I was so distrusting, I snapped back at his friendliness with “Why?” I didn’t understand why this strange boy wanted to be my friend. According to my mother, all boys wanted was sex and they weren’t to be trusted. I don’t think he ever talked to me again, I scared him that badly with my meanness. What if I had been kind? What if I had responded like Jesus? I would have had a new friend.
Jesus was always kind. Zaccheus, a short man who was a tax collector, Jesus was kind to him.(Luke 19 NIV). Jesus was kind to the woman caught in adultery, He saved her from a crowd who wanted her killed. He also was kind to the man caught with her, he is never named in the story (John 8:1-11 NIV). Jesus was kind to the rich young ruler when he explained to him what he needed to give up his wealth. Check out this video for the full story. The rich young ruler was missing the point because of his wealth, Jesus was trying to help him understand that. Jesus was being kind.
If you want to master the art of kindness, follow Jesus. Jesus loved everyone, no matter how tall they were or what their job was. Jesus was kind to those caught in sin publicly. He loved them when no one else would. And Jesus was kind to those who just don’t get it, He tried to help them understand. Jesus was the master of kindness, He showed us how we can be too.
Question of the Day
What is something kind you can do today for someone else?
Further Reading: Numbers 26:52-28:15 NIV, Luke 3:1-22 NIV, Psalm 61:1-8 NIV, Proverbs 11:16-17 NIV
