Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Years ago, it was considered a common courtesy to rewind the rented VHS movies before returning them. And to remind us of this act of kindness, a label was placed on the cassette that read, “Be Kind, Rewind.“ It’s pretty much the same principle as returning the shopping cart to the proper spot. I was with my mother-in-law once when she returned her cart to the outdoor stall in the parking lot. Not only did she return the cart, she straightened out several others that were in disarray inside the stall. Her act of kindness made an impression on me. I will occasionally straighten them out too and I think of her.
My sister-in-law gave me a decorative sign that reads: Do the kindest things in the kindest way. It hangs close to another sign: “Do small things with great love.” Kindness is a priceless attribute that’s often ignored. There’s a New Testament scripture that always reminds me of my sweet mother: “Make yourselves beautiful on the inside, in your hearts, with the enduring quality of a gentle, peaceful spirit. This type of beauty is very precious in God’s eyes” (1 Peter 3:4 CEB.) Mom had dark sparkling eyes, an exuberant laugh, and a kind spirit that was a blessing to those who knew her.
Living like Jesus is living as kind people. Believers are to practice kindness every day. “Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ” (Ephesians 4:32 CEB.) Part of being kind is not holding a grudge by being quick to forgive. When we practice forgiving, we‘re practicing kindness and the beneficial result is personal peace.
“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NLT.) Christ followers should have a desire to treat people with a sense of importance and respect. Encouraging one another with words of affirmation should be a daily goal for us. When we put others before ourselves we show them they are acknowledged, loved, and valued. Giving kindness is like water to a plant, catnip to a kitten, or a bone to a dog.
The ability to listen is nearly nonexistent in today’s culture. However, really listening is an excellent example of kindness. A kind person doesn’t butt in to make themselves the topic of the conversation. Plus they’ll ask comfortable questions and turn their attention to the other individual. When we’re engaged in listening, sometimes the individual isn’t seeking a solution, but rather a kind person with whom to share their concerns. Wherever there are people, there are opportunities for kindness.
Here’s a great scripture if ever there was one: “…You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (James 1:19 NLT.) My favorite movie star, John Wayne, must have read his Bible because he’s been quoted as saying: “Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say too much.” It’s been said that because we were created with two ears and one mouth, we should listen twice as much as we talk.
When someone has a heartache, we’re being kind and wise when we empathize. “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness” (Proverbs 31:26 NLT.) Let’s be like Jesus and show more kindness to all who cross our path.
The Key: The positive effects of kindness are eternal.