Kindness

Chapter 9 of Jeremiah’s prophetic message is not pretty. God is weeping for the state of his nation. His heart is breaking because of the way people are treating each other – with their words and actions. He is devastated because his people have forsaken him and his ways. Verse 24 is a moment of light in the despair. He tells us that if there is anything worth knowing, it is worth knowing God because knowing him is the gateway to treating others with kindness and justice.

God shows kindness. God delights in kindness. If we know him, we will receive his kindness and understand what it means. The obvious result will be a desire to share this kindness with others. It is interesting here that kindness is linked with justice and righteousness. When we show kindness to those who need it most, we are acting as God would act and bringing delight to God as well as to people.

I think, perhaps, there is an extra step to showing kindness. God shows kindness to us when we don’t deserve it. How often do we speak kindly or engage in an act of kindness to someone who may seem undeserving in our eyes? What if they need to understand kindness by receiving it to be able to show it to others?

I once experienced a phase of receiving hurtful words from a fellow student. I may have been motivated by the proverb about heaping burning coals on an enemy, but I resolved to say something kind in return for every insult. It was simple things like, “That colour suits you,” or “Would you like chewing gum?” The unwanted comments soon fizzled out. They seemed odd when met with kindness. It was tough to begin with, but it was beautifully effective. Receiving kindness can soften the hardest hearts.

God’s kindness is sacrificial. It comes at a cost, not from his leftovers. Kindness can cost us time and money, it can cost us emotionally, particularly if we’re intentionally showing kindness to someone who has hurt us. The outcome is always worth it – because God’s delight is invaluable.

Prayer:

Pray for a heart that reflects God’s kindness, even when it’s hard or costly. Ask for the grace to show kindness to those who may not seem deserving, trusting that your actions can soften hearts and point them to God. Pray that your kindness will be paired with justice and righteousness, reflecting God’s character in every interaction. Finally, thank God for His unfailing kindness to you, and ask for opportunities to share that kindness with others today.

Take a 40acts challenge today:

1. Challenge yourself to respond to everyone you speak to today with kindness – even when they don’t return the favour!
2. Share an experience. Think of a favourite walk, bike ride, or local hangout. Take a recipe you’ve loved cooking for years and make it for someone else.
3. Got a loyalty card? Give your carefully collected points away to someone else. Or use them to buy someone something nice to give away.