The Power of Kindness | Anchored in Hope Devotions

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

God’s Word has much to say about our relationship to other believers and to those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In this devotional let us look at what it means to be “kind to one another.”

What ways can we be kind or show kindness in our lives?

There are two ways we can demonstrate kindness: speech, whether spoken or written, and actions.

In the Bible we see so many references to the tongue. What we say and how we say it matters.

There are many verses where the Bible tells us what should not be said. A deceitful tongue, lying lips, slander, gossip, and speech that causes strife are just a few examples.

But on the other side, we have verses that tell us that a soft answer turns away wrath or diffuses a tense conversation.

In Proverbs 31 it tells us that a Godly woman teaches kindness with her speech.

In Isaiah 50:4 we learn that what we say can be used to sustain or encourage one who is weary, overwhelmed by life’s circumstances.

Finally, in Proverbs we learn the right words fitly spoken are like gold apples in a setting of silver.

What are some practical ways that we can show kindness with our words?

Here are just a few examples: complimenting someone who has worked hard on a project (like when a young person has put a lot of effort in a paper), thanking a wife or husband who does so much for her or her family, thanking a pastor or pastor’s wife who pour their lives into the congregation, writing a note letting someone know you care and are praying for them, calling to let a person know you care and are concerned for them, and even thanking those who ring up your groceries.

There are many other ways one can show kindness. Providing a meal, doing chores, mowing a yard, cleaning a house, or giving cookies or flowers to a shut-in are just a few other examples.

While Jesus was on earth, he demonstrated kindness in what He said and what He did. Dying on the cross for our sin was His greatest act of kindness!

As followers of Christ, our lives should be lived in such a way that reflects our Savior.

- Sherry Meyer