“Kind hearts are the gardens. Kind thoughts are the roots. Kind words are the blossoms. Kind deeds are the fruits” — John Ruskin
Kindness begins in the heart, is nurtured in our thoughts, expressed in our words, and ultimately proven in our actions. The true meaning of kindness is not just in thought or speech, it is in action.
“Beloved children, our love can’t be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds.” — 1 John 3:18 (TPT)
We must live a life of kindness that can be seen and felt. The greatest commandment is LOVE, and one of the first attributes of love mentioned in scripture is kindness:
“Love is patient and kind.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4a (ERV)
Kindness is love in motion, and I’ll be sharing three lessons on kindness, all drawn from Scripture, that will help us live out this love every day
- Be Known by Your Kindness
Scripture encourages us to “be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32) and reminds us that kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). When we are rooted in Christ, kindness naturally becomes one of the most visible fruits in our lives. By your fruits of kindness, we should know you as a Christian (Matthew 7:16).
“There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.” — Acts 9:36 (NLT)
If there was one thing Dorcas was known for, it was her kindness, compassion, and good works. Her heart was so full of love that kindness wasn’t something she had to think about — it was simply the way she lived. She served because she couldn’t imagine living any other way.
Her kindness was so evident that when she died, the entire community grieved deeply and pleaded for her restoration.
This is exactly what Proverbs teaches:
“The merciful, kind, and generous man benefits himself [for his deeds return to bless him] …” — Proverbs 11:17a (AMPC)
“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” — Proverbs 21:21 (ESV)
Dorcas pursued righteousness and kindness, and her deeds returned to bless her. In the most literal way, she found life again.
May we live in such a way that kindness becomes our legacy — something people recognise and remember us for, not because we set out to be noticed — (I mean, it doesn’t even have to be grand, plus it’s a no hypocrisy zone), but because the love of Christ is shed abroad in our hearts and as a result, compassion flows naturally.
2. Don’t Delay Kindness
Sometimes we hold back kindness until we feel it’s “earned” — until the other person’s actions justify it. But Scripture paints a very different picture in Proverbs 3:27–28 (ERV)
“Do everything you possibly can for those who need help. If your neighbor needs something you have, don’t say, ‘Come back tomorrow.’ Give it to him immediately.” — Proverbs 3:27–28 (ERV)
In other words, kindness should never be postponed. I’m reminded of an illustration Pastor often shares about perspective: You’re driving and another car speeds past, brushing your bumper. Upset, you chase after them, ready to demand an apology, only to discover the driver is desperately trying to get his pregnant wife, who is already in labour, to the hospital. In an instant, your anger melts away. You turn on your hazard lights, clear the road for them and maybe even whisper a word of prayer.
What changed? Perspective! You moved from indignation to empathy the moment you knew the backstory. But here’s the truth — you didn’t need that backstory to be kind
Don’t wait for an explanation before extending grace. Don’t let your kindness be dependent on perspective. Give people the benefit of the doubt and show kindness in advance.
Yes, it’s not always easy, especially in a world where people wear rudeness as a badge of honour. The temptation to match “aura for aura” (in Ini’s voice, IYKYK) can be intense. But love calls us higher, love beckons on us to yield ourselves to Him, allowing His Spirit to make kindness our reflex, not our reaction.
3. Don’t Profile Who Deserves Kindness — (Be Kind to all)
We are all God’s creation. Kindness is not a privilege for a select few, it isn’t reserved only for people we like, agree with, or feel deserve it.
Jesus calls us to a higher standard in Luke 6:35 (NIV)
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” — Luke 6:35 (NIV)
The parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:30–37 (TPT) is a powerful example. A Jewish man lay beaten and half dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. A priest and a Levite, both respected religious men, saw him but walked by. Then came a Samaritan, a man from a group despised by Jews. Moved with compassion, he tended to the man’s wounds, placed him on his donkey, took him to an inn, and paid for his care.
When Jesus asked which of the three was a true neighbor, the answer was clear: “The one who demonstrated kindness and mercy.” And Jesus’ command to us was equally clear: “Go and do the same.”
Be that neighbour who chooses kindness over cultural bias, social ranking or personal preferences. Show kindness without prejudice and mercy without limits.
I love how Harold S. Kushner puts it:
“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.”
True kindness flows from identity, not reciprocity. It is more than a nice gesture; it is love expressed in action. Be known by it, act on it immediately, and extend it to all without prejudice.
When we live like this, we mirror the heart of God to a world in desperate need of kindness. So today, choose to show kindness to someone — not later, not when it’s convenient, but now.
Shalom!
Abisola Oguntunde
IG: @abisolaoguntunde