When we get up each morning, we mustn’t only clothe ourselves physically, but spiritually and emotionally too. We need to ask ourselves, ‘What sort of attitude am I going to wear today? Will I be controlling or cooperative? Positive or negative? Complimentary or critical? Selfish or serving?’ We might avoid being too kind because we’re worried that people will take advantage of our kindness – and it’s true that some people will try to do that. But although it’s a good idea to be aware of that, it shouldn’t stop us trying to take every opportunity to show kindness. Here are three reasons to be kind: 1) ‘Because of [God’s] kindness you have been saved’ (Ephesians 2:8 TLB). Grace and kindness go together. The poet Robert Burns said that the kind heart most resembles God. 2) Because you want people to be kind to you and treat you right. Jesus said, ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you’ (Matthew 7:12 NIV). If we’re rude, people are going to be rude to us. If we’re critical, others are going to start pointing out our mistakes. But if we’re kind, most people will want to respond the same way. ‘Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly’ (Proverbs 21:21 GNT). 3) ‘Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel’ (Proverbs 11:17 TLB). So when we’re kind to others, we’re also being kind to ourselves! Let’s read it again: ‘As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’ (Colossians 3:12 NIV).
