When I became a school bus driver, my boss was not very nice to me. I soon realized that it really wasn’t about me, but that she had some deep-seated issues at her core. Still, she did not make my job fun. I loved seeing those sweet faces get on my bus every day and I loved making sure they got to school safe every day. But Jane made this enjoyable job difficult for me. So I decided I would shower her with kindness. Every morning when I arrived, I asked her about her day. I complimented her on her outfit. I told her stories of my adventures with the kids. Soon, her demeaner began to change toward me. And eventually, a mutual respect developed. Kindness won her over. I’m fairly certain that kindness did more for her than what I even saw.
Our verse today from Proverbs reminds us that kindness is a powerful tool. Paul tells us to put on (or clothe ourselves) with kindness (Colossians 3:12). We also learn that kindness is the way to show love (1 Corinthians 13:4). And we read in Ephesians 4:32 to “be kind to one another.” Here’s the thing… being kind isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a mandate. In fact, kindness is one sure way to show people their need for Christ.
It’s the people who are difficult, the gossipy neighbors, the store clerk that seems to be mad all the time, the people who have shut themselves off, the sibling who never has anything nice to say… it’s these people that need kindness the most. Kindness can bring healing to a seared heart, can turn a negative situation into a positive one, can put out a fire, and can give people hope in the midst of their darkness. When we choose kindness, people will feel loved, valued, and respected.
Kindness isn’t something we should put on for a moment, but it should be something we choose every day. And it is a choice. James talks about the power of the tongue… it can set a great forest on fire (James 3:5). In other words, our words can make or break someone. You may be a product of someone’s words. Those negative words that seared your heart so long ago may be a hindrance in your life today. Let’s be kind with our words… let’s choose to speak words that uplift and not tear down… especially to the difficult people in our lives.
Here's my prayer for all of us… Oh Lord, our natural response to give back negativity when it’s thrown at us. Help us, Lord, to shower people with kindness today and every day. Give us the strength to overcome evil with good. Let kindness be our way of life. In Jesus Name, Amen. Hope this encourages you today.