I Am Kind

God tells us to be kind because he is kind. The Lord is good to every human being. We can be numb to this ineffable fact by thinking people have to deserve our kindness. The kindness of God is everywhere you look. It’s his kindness that delivers us from evil and protects us from harm. It’s his kindness that heals us, gives us courage, and saves us from troubles. It’s his kindness that sustains all life.

Jesus was kind in all he was and did while on earth. We might attribute his explosive behavior when he turned over the tables of the money changers in the temple to anger (Matthew 21:12), but it was an act of kindness for God’s children who were overcharged for animals they were required to sacrifice. It was not only righteous indignation that drove him but also his kindness. He cared about the poor who were being exploited. His love for the Father and for his children wielded the stick that day, sending the pigeons and ill-gained coins scattering.

Jesus was kind to everyone. On the night Jesus was betrayed, Judas brought a multitude of soldiers with chains and clubs to arrest Jesus, and they were especially cruel. Peter jumped up to defend Jesus and chopped off the right ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus graciously reached over, touched the man’s head, and healed him (Luke 22:51). You’d think Judas and the great army of armed soldiers would have been stunned by the miracle, but it went right over their heads.

We have a million daily opportunities to express the kindness of God because his kindness lives in us. Making a conscious choice to show kindness can change the very atmosphere and open closed hearts to God’s love.

Affirmations:

• The kindness of God lives in me.
• I am kind even when I don’t feel like it.
• I am kind to others even when they don’t show kindness to me.
• I am kind to those who disagree with me.
• I am kind to those who dislike me.
• I am kind to those who don’t believe as I do.
• I am kind to myself.
• I ask God to guide the kindness in my heart to take me to the places that need to experience kindness.
• I am committed to kindness in my home.