The Lord has been so very kind to us (Isa 30:18, CEV). Shouldn’t we be kind to others? Indeed, lack of kindness betrays a self-centered indifference toward others. It shows a lack of compassion and love after having received so much ourselves. Unkind acts are obviously wrong. Yet, how often do we have an opportunity to be kind but fail to do it? We could provide comfort, reassurance, hope but often don’t want to be bothered. This, too, is wrong (Jas 4:17).
When John McCain was a prisoner of war, his captors decided to inflict pain and discomfort on him by tying him up tightly each night before he slept. His guard, though, at great risk to himself, loosened the ropes during his shift then tightened them before the new guard came. Months later, the guard made the sign of the cross to John in the dirt (McCain Character Is Destiny, p 144-145). “The greatest thing a man can do for his heavenly Father is to be kind to some of his other children” (Henry Drummond).
As was true of what John McCain’s guard did, there are times when showing kindness can be risky. On other occasions, such as after the battle of First Manassas in the American Civil War, it may not involve risk but discomfort – people stood out in the rain to provide some food, drink, and encouragement to returning soldiers. Much of the time, though, displaying kindness is neither risky nor costly. It may be as simple as giving someone a smile or being willing to spend time being seen with someone who is not as ‘cool’ as we think we are. Remember, we are commanded to not be ambitious, snobbish, or haughty but to associate with, take a real interest in, and mingle with lowly or ordinary people (Rom 12:16).
Kindness matters to the Lord and it should matter to us. If we are growing in Christian maturity then we are becoming kinder people for the fruit of the Spirit is kindness (Gal 5:22).
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.