“In a World Where You Can Be Anything”

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

BIBLE READING: Ephesians 4.31-32

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” (Unknown)

I’m not sure I’ve ever met a person who does not want kindness. In today’s society, people generally agree that more kindness would make the world a better place. It’s posted on billboards and social media sites, T-shirts, and posters for your home. Though kindness is not new, “Be kind!” has become an unofficial slogan on which a culture steeped in tolerance, affirmation, and acceptance runs.

But for all the talk about kindness, our world is growing increasingly unkind. If kindness is so popular, why isn’t it catching on? Perhaps this brand of kindness is lacking, pretending to do and be good while unable to produce any real changes. In a world that’s hungry for kindness but often finds only emptiness, we need a biblical reset.

Fundamentally kindness is an expression of faithfulness. In the Old Testament it is rooted in God’s “checed” [org. Hebrew], a powerful word representing grace, mercy, faithfulness, justice and kindness as a Divine conglomerate. In other words, these work together to demonstrate the robust nature of God’s commitment. In the Old Testament, people expressed kindness as a direct outflow of promises, causing them to communicate peace in the present and future to those needing mercy (Genesis 50.19-21). People often appealed for, and even expected, kindness based on their previous actions of faithfulness towards another (Genesis 19.19; 21.23; 47.29-31). Godly kindness isn’t moved by shallow responses, but by deeper desires for the long term good of others.

For this reason, the bible teaches that kindness is a leading quality. It’s not just trying to produce a smile on your face, but a change in your heart. When God showed kindness, it was with hope of bringing us to repentance (Romans 2.4). As we practice kindness, it must be with expectation of pointing to God’s mercy to and through us (see Luke 6.35). Cultural kindness views our actions as an end in itself, leading to inner peace and self-satisfaction. But these are short-lived because they have no inherent value. Instead, kindness is a means to the greater end of showing God’s mercy, forgiveness and love. So, kindness is of no value unless it leads others to change. Contrary to cultural kindness, biblical kindness wants the best in others even when they don’t want it for themselves. For this reason, kindness often comes at a cost.

As we learn from Jesus, kindness is a sacrificial quality. He gave, loved and served others for their good. In the face of injustice, "he opened not his mouth" (Isaiah 53.7). Kindness is most needed in the context of injustice wickedness, but can easily be discarded or weaponized. In fact, cultural kindness is often repackaged as a means of spite (“kill them with kindness”), but biblical kindness has no such motive. Instead, it speaks the truth in love and seeks to reconcile and serve as an expression of what we have experienced from God (Luke 6.32-35).

The world needs more kindness, but this brand of kindness will not be popular or even accepted by many. However, this kindness will have a lasting impact on this world and you (Proverbs 11.17). So, in a world where you can be anything, “be kind, like Jesus” (Ephesians 4.32).

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