Bible teachings about kindness

Bible teachings about kindness

Kindness refers to one’s ability to be friendly to others around them. It also focuses on sharing what one has with those who require assistance and to be understanding what other people are going through. Therefore, to be kind is to put yourself in other people’s situations and be able to feel their pain or suffering. Such a perspective leads to one being concerned with the affairs of others. It also means that one does not seek individual happiness or to benefit themselves while others are suffering.

The bible teaches that God will protect those who show kindness and protect them from harm. Saul asked the Kenites to move away from the Amalekites because they had shown kindness to the Israelites (Samuel 15:6-7). Their kindness led to them being saved from their harm that befell the Amalekites.

Being kind is critical as one grows into adulthood as it helps improve one’s community. The act of kindness affects others around the person. The act of kindness is contagious and influences others around the person. It is said, do good, and it will come back to you. David decided to show kindness to Hanun because his father was kind to him (Chronicles 19:2-4). The implication is that if you perform an act of kindness, others will also adopt this and be helpful to you. However, if you are harsh and inconsiderate to others’ affairs, it will create an environment where everyone else became selfish and concentrated on their issues, even to the expense of others.

In the same way, Joash did not show kindness towards Jehoiada. The result is that the Aram army marched into Judah and Jerusalem to kill the leaders (2 Chronicles 24:22-23). Therefore, an act of kindness sets the stage for others to emulate you and start behaving the same way towards you and others.

Additionally, being kind has a good effect on a person. Acts of kindness help improve one’s wellbeing and the feeling that they did their best even in a very bleak situation. When the situation develops positively as a result of one’s kindness, they enjoy the happiness of seeing others benefit. For example, helping a friend improve in academic areas where they are weak will lead to a feeling of contentment when you see them recording improved scores in their assessment tests. Even when the change is not significant, it is possible to feel contended when one accepts that they have done their best to improve the situation.

Another importance of being kind is that it will create a community that stops to think before acting. People have been hurt because others did not think about the impact that their actions will have on the wellbeing of others. For example, when one comes across a misplaced wallet with some money, it is important to think about the impact that holding on to the possession will have on the life of the owner. Maybe the money was meant for someone’s medical supply, or they were going to pay fees. The money might be what is required for their meals and was to take them up to the next payment. Therefore, withholding the money means the other person will not have the necessary prescription, miss examinations due to nonpayment or stay hungry. However, being kind enough to reflect on what will be the best option presents an opportunity to consider how one’s actions affect others.

Being kind will also lead to a situation where it is possible to celebrate others. Kindness is reflected in one’s ability to share in other people’s experiences by giving positive feedback based on the situation. People who are kind will whole-heartedly celebrate the successes that others around them record. Even when two people are competing it is possible for both of them to be positive in the win or loss and congratulate other other person for giving their whole in the challenge. The winner will not take the opportunity to belittle what the losing party has achieved. In the same breath, the loser will not take the opportunity to rubbish the accomplishments of the winner. Therefore, one can demonstrate happiness by being happy for what the other person has achieved instead of finding problems with the process or the results.

Ingraining kindles in our everyday lives is also important since it helps one to open their eyes to the suffering of others in society. Jesus was compassionate when he saw that his followers were harassed and helpless (Matthew 9:35-38). It is important to notice when others are suffering since one can look at ways of alleviating the pain. For example, being aware about others’ suffering will lead to speaking kind words when necessary, opening a door when the other is not able or helping them curry a heavy load when they are struggling with the weight. Based on these examples, being kind has a positive impact on the community since it helps lessen the pain of others. This is an important aspect since every human being is concerned with how they can reduce or eliminate situation that cause pain.

While it is important to be kind, one must be able to differentiate it from being nice and giving in to the demands of others withiout thinking about the overall implication. Being kind also means having the awareness and capacity to say no and guide people towards making the right choices. The bible notes that it is possible for the righteous to strike and rebuke (Psalm 14:15). For instance, being kind does not mean giving a needy person money when one knows the person will spent the money on alcohol or drugs. When one realizes that the other person will abuse the act of kindness, it is important to find an alternative way of helping. Therefore, it is possible to deny assistance when the person being helped will abuse it. Instead of giving the needy money, which is likely to be used to buy alcohol or drugs, it is better to give them food, clothes or shelter since this will benefit them more. In this case, saying no can also be a form of kindness since it helps avoid additional problems that might arise from the assistance.