Acts Of Kindness: A Christian Approach To Reflecting God's Love.


Photo credit: Tom Parsons. 

 In a world often marked by challenges and uncertainties, the call to embody Christ's love through acts of kindness stands as a beacon of hope and compassion for Christians. Rooted in the teachings of the Bible, the concept of kindness takes on a profound significance that goes beyond mere gestures.


The Bible is packed with verses emphasizing the importance of kindness and love in the Christian walk. 


In Ephesians 4:32, believers are urged to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." 


This sets the tone for understanding that our acts of kindness are an extension of the forgiveness and love we have received from God.


 Let's explore how we, as believers, and soldiers of Christ ought to reflect Christ’s Love. 


What Kindness Is? 


Kindness is the quality of being considerate, compassionate, and generous towards others. It is a selfless and empathetic approach to interactions. Collectively, it involves acts of goodwill, empathy, and understanding with the aim to alleviate others' burdens or bring joy without expecting anything in return.


True kindness stems from a genuine desire to contribute positively to someone's well-being. Whether you are familiar with the person or not. Authentic kindness arises from a selfless place, driven by empathy and a genuine concern for the welfare of others.


What Kindness Is Not? 


Kindness is not passionate actions with hidden agendas. Actions that lack sincerity or are driven by personal gain do not embody the true essence of kindness. Acts performed merely for show or with ulterior motives fall short of genuine kindness. Conversely, actions that cause harm or disregard the feelings of others cannot be considered kind. 


Several Bible Characters That Practiced Kindness


With the Bible as our watchword, several Bible characters emphasize the importance of  kindness and compassion in their actions, some are:


  • Ruth: Her loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi showcased a deep sense of kindness and compassion.


  • Boaz: He showed kindness to Ruth by allowing her to glean in his fields and providing extra food for her and Naomi.


  • Joseph: Despite facing adversity, Joseph displayed kindness towards his brothers who had betrayed him, eventually forgiving and reconciling with them.


  • Tabitha: Known for her acts of kindness and charity, she was resurrected by the apostle Peter due to the impact of her benevolent deeds.


  • The Good Samaritan: From a parable Jesus told,  A Samaritan demonstrated profound kindness by helping a wounded stranger on the road when others passed by.


  • Jesus: The epitome of kindness, Jesus consistently showed compassion, healed the sick, and offered forgiveness to those in need.


Practical Ways to Reflect God's Love. 


Central to the Christian faith is the idea of imitating Christ living a life that mirrors His character. 


In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." 


Acts of kindness, driven by selfless love, become a visible expression of discipleship and a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love.


Random Acts of Kindness 

Surprise others with unexpected acts of generosity. Show love without expecting anything in return, mirroring God's unconditional love for humanity.


Forgiveness

Extend forgiveness to those who wrong you as Christ forgave us. This fosters reconciliation and healing in relationships. It also helps to cultivate humility, recognizing that all people are created in God's image and worthy of love forgiveness, and respect. 


Loving the Unlovable

Embrace those societies often rejects, and demonstrate empathy and compassion towards others, just as God is compassionate towards His creation so these unlovables can embody Christ's inclusive,  transformative love and pass it on to others. 


Charitable Giving

Generously give to those in need and engage in acts of service and kindness, mirroring God's desire for His followers to serve one another. This echoes God's love for the marginalized and downtrodden.


Words of Encouragement

Speak words of kindness and encouragement, uplifting others in their journey. This can be done by sharing the message of God's love and salvation, contributing to the well-being of others spiritually.


Acts of Kindness as a Witness


Acts of kindness become a powerful witness to the world. 


Matthew 5:16 encourages believers to "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." 


Kindness becomes a language that transcends barriers, going beyond societal expectations, and drawing people closer to God through the genuine care and compassion demonstrated by believers.



Photo credit:  Yeo Yonghwa

Why Do We Need To Carry Out Acts Of Kindness? 


In essence,  the question can also be why do we,  as believers need to reflect on God's love?  Why is it so important to do so? Why do we need to forgive,  share the gospel,  love,  serve, and give to others? 


A Christian living is not just a theological practice but a transformative training pledged out in seasons by the Holy Spirit. People should see Christ in us, like how the Gentiles saw Christ in the disciples at Antioch and called them Christians.


It serves as a continual reminder of the foundation of their faith and the boundless love that sustains them.


Reflecting Christ’s love for others as a believer impacts every aspect of a believer's life.  It shapes the thoughts, actions, and relationships. It makes Christians have a deep sense of gratitude, acknowledging God’s unconditional and sacrificial love as the foundation of faith.


Reflecting on God's love becomes a catalyst for spiritual growth, leading believers to emulate His character and develop a Christ-like mindset causing us to reinforce our identity as children of God.


Carrying out acts of kindness inspires believers to live righteously, especially in times of difficulty. 


Regular reflection on God's love deepens the intimacy of the believer's relationship with God, fostering a closer connection and understanding of God rather than the things of God. 



As Christians we have the opportunity to be ambassadors of Christ's love through every act of kindness, mirroring the ultimate example set by Jesus. A genuine reflection of God's love in one's life becomes a powerful testimony, attracting others to inquire about the source of such love and opening doors for sharing the gospel. 


People read our life like it's a Bible,  let us endeavor to live for God. 


Ask yourself👇
Photo credit:  Nathan Lemon. 



I hope this content has been helpful to you. If so,  feel free to share. Till next time! 













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