It makes a way instead of blocking the way.
Kindness serves. It comes with action. It’s the neighbor who shovels your driveway when you’re away for the weekend. It’s the coffee your co-worker buys when he knows you’re having a tough morning. It’s the friend who chooses to forgive instead of holding an offense against you.
Kindness is also a mindset.
Paul encourages us to practice it in Philippians 2:1-5
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
We practice kindness when we value others above ourselves. We find worth beneath even the prickliest of exteriors, realizing they often cover a world of hurt.
Kindness says, “I want you to thrive and I’m here to help. I value your interests.” It builds up and doesn’t tear down. It makes a way instead of blocking the way. It melts hearts instead of hardening them.
Who in your circle needs to be encouraged with a random act of kindness today?
Let’s pray:
Dear Lord, your kindness is a powerful force in this world. Thank you for all the times I’ve experienced it through others—especially when I didn’t deserve it. Highlight to me now the person I know who most needs a kind gesture today. Use me as a heart-melting agent of kindness and mercy. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.