Sprout: 21 Days for the Fruit of the Spirit to Bloom in Your LifeSample

Be Kind, Be Intentional, and Repeat

By Monica Bates

Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. —1 Corinthians 13:4 AMP

“Random acts of kindness” is a pop culture phrase intended to motivate us to be kind to one another. This idea got kickstarted in England in 1987 when Princess Diana shook the hand of a man who had AIDS, challenging the belief that the disease is transmittable by touch and showing unconditional love and kindness to a fellow human being. There are shirts, stickers, mugs, and bookmarks that represent this “movement,” as well as a Random Acts of Kindness Day celebrated on February 17, which speaks volumes to the need and desire for kindness in our world today.

As great as that movement is, what I love about our God is that He is always intentional—He is never random. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit He has given to help us walk in compassion and care for each other.

I remember a day when I was walking through a store, and a woman dropped some items she had in her hand. I rushed over to help her pick up the items and place them in her cart. She was very grateful, and I enjoyed the opportunity I had to lend the helping hand she needed at that time. Coming alongside someone to assist and give an encouraging word or just a smile is part of our role to play as children of God in our world today.

In the New Testament, kindness is translated from the Greek word chrestotes, which means ‘the quality of being warmhearted, considerate, humane, gentle, and sympathetic.’ It can also be described as a characteristic of true love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4: “Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant” (AMP).

An illustration of kindness in the Bible can be seen in the actions of the Roman centurion (officer) in Luke 7:2–6. The centurion had a servant who became ill, and the centurion did everything in his power to heal this servant. Now, the centurion could have used his resources in a different way, such as hiring a new servant. But kindness compelled him to use every resource at his disposal to help his servant find healing. When the centurion appealed to Jesus, the Lord could see his intentionality. Jesus knew the centurion was motivated by compassion and kindness, and He could feel his faith. Jesus spoke a healing word from a distance, and the centurion’s servant was instantly made well.

How often do we see someone in need from a distance? How often do we hear the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts to help someone with groceries, assist someone who is struggling, or speak a word of encouragement to someone who needs uplifting? As we act on what we hear and feel in these times, we are intentionally giving kindness to others. We are being the hands and feet of Jesus. Intentional kindness is the heart of God. Intentional kindness can—and will—change the world.

Prayer

Father, please give me Your eyes for those around me and help me see where I can show kindness today. Search my heart thoroughly, Father, and give me a heart of kindness. Highlight those around me who need a word of encouragement from You. Thank You, Lord, for Your intentional love toward me. Help me give what I have received from You to others, and show me what intentional kindness looks like so I can love people well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Further Reflection

1. Reflect on a time when someone was kind to you. How did it make you feel?
2. What would your life look like if you made the decision to walk in intentional kindness for 10 days in a row? Do you accept the challenge?