KindnessSample

Not just a verb

When I first met my husband, I told him that I valued kindness and that it was a hugely important attribute to me. He was less than impressed, and I got a bit worried! Then he went on to explain that he felt "kindness" was a word without real meaning or value behind it, like "nice." This prompted me to think about why it was important, even if it had lost some of its impact and meaning over time.

It’s easy to be kind once or even a few times, especially if those people you’re kind to are grateful and thankful. The impact of simple acts of kindness to fellow humans should never be underestimated, but in this verse, Paul encourages us to "clothe" ourselves with kindness. Clothes can often be part of our identity, something we choose to put on to show the world who we are. To clothe yourself in kindness is to make a bold statement.

In Galatians 5:22–23, Paul speaks of the attributes displayed by a person who has been and is being healed and transformed by the Spirit of God. He says, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Kindness is a mark of God’s Spirit in our lives. Not only does it set you apart, but it also comes with transformative power. When you make a choice every day to allow yourself to be healed and transformed by the Spirit of God, you clothe yourself with kindness, and when you do that, don’t underestimate the impact and power this can have to transform and restore not just your life, but the lives of many around you.

Written by LUCY WEIL