In Defense of Kindness
Greg Chandler
It is hard to believe how dirty a presidential campaign can become. One opponent states that the other has “a hideous hermaphroditic character with neither the force and fitness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman.” n In response, the contender replies that the other is a “fool, hypocrite, criminal, and tyrant.” Are these the words of the two people running for the American presidency in 2016? No. These were the words of the two people running for the presidency in 1800. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are remembered as icons of the American independence movement, but also as the fathers of the negative campaign. While almost every election since has quickly been entitled “the dirtiest ever,” much vitriol would be required to ever top the nasty campaign of 1800.
An election year is a good reminder that we live in a world of unkindness. While candidates hurl insults at each other, the wearied electorate bemoans that these are the only two choices and opines for a spirit of civility and kindness. Such a desired atmosphere, both in politics and everyday life, would make the world a nicer place to live; yet, is this what the Lord is seeking when He issues the command, “Be kind one to another” (Ephesians 4:32)? There is no doubt that the Lord hates a spirit of antagonism and, in Southern speak, “ugly” talk and behavior. To this end, He commands, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). The word kindness, however, stretches far deeper than simply being nice to one another; it conveys the spirit of usefulness, along with the aforementioned spirit of gentleness. Thus, a key component of brotherly love is not only treating one another with respect, but also having a spirit of service that seeks to do good for fellow heirs in Jesus Christ. F.F. Bruce, in his work The Book of Acts, noted that Xrestus (a variation of the Greek word translated kindness) was a common name for Roman slaves. For Christians, this is a name voluntarily adopted to provide this God-directed service to others; like the Lord Jesus, His followers live to serve.
When contemplating kindness, many labor under the unwarranted assumption that it is shown only in a reciprocal manner. In other words, “I will be kind to him if he is kind to me.” Such an idea is far from the standard laid down by the Lord and is opposite from what is seen in Him: “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6:35). From the everyday blessing of rain to the grand gift of salvation, the Lord is “useful” for all; He serves His creation by providing what is needed. In so doing, He sets the standard for His children. It is with this spirit that Christians can fulfill the hard command of being servants to those antagonistic to faith: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:44-45). Like the Lord, His people serve mankind.
While kindness is shown to all, it is especially important in the brotherly relationship of Christians. To this end, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). In displaying brotherly love, humility dictates that the needs of another are more important than the needs of self; thus, Christians “outdo” one another in providing for these needs. While such an idea is easily discussed, implementation is quite another story. To be useful to another means a realignment in both schedule and thinking; it requires a selflessness that fights against the common impulses of humanity. Time and attention become paramount in building the strong bonds which bind Christians in spiritual fellowship.
Christians, like most, are busy people; the pressures of family, job, and “life” are no less pressing for those who have given themselves to Christ than those still in the world. Brotherly kindness, however, is an important part of Christian living and warrants its fair share of calendar space. In the spirit of sacrifice, time is offered as a sweet aroma to God in seeking to help His children. Developing the habit of “godly” time allotment is paramount in illustrating seriousness about spiritual things. The Apostle Paul stated, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). The best use of time means determining what is of spiritual value and getting it done; tough decisions may be required and enjoyable activities may have to be discarded. Bitterness about such choices is easily avoided by remembering the great work God has done for mankind; with this in mind, what appears a great personal sacrifice suddenly becomes a small task indeed!
Christians must ultimately work to realign their thinking about the pursuits of life. For the one seeking to please God, the usefulness shown in godly kindness becomes a way of life. Helping brethren in Christ is not done only when the need is evident; it is sought out through close bonds with fellow believers. A spirit of volunteerism should ring throughout Christendom, with each child of God gladly devoting himself or herself as a living sacrifice to God. In the old hymn, There is Room in God’s Kingdom, hymnist J.R. Baxter included what must never be the motivation for faithful service to a brother. In the second stanza, he admonished, “Do not wait to be told, nor by sorrow driven to the work God has planned for you.” The spiritually alert Christian seeks opportunity to serve and takes action immediately. It is with this spirit that faithful servitude to God is displayed.
Always remember your mother’s heed to “be nice to everyone.” Remember, though, this does not adequately fulfill God’s commands for Christian kindness. While displaying this gentle spirit, begin the lifelong goal of seizing opportunities to prove useful in God’s service. With such a spirit, the kind God of Heaven will reward a life devoted to serving Him through serving others. (09/12/16)