Those who are the best models of kindness are those who understand, model, and wisely teach others what the Teacher Himself has taught. As Paul reminded Timothy, “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach,” etc. (2 Tim 2:24).
Kindness is one of God’s communicable attributes, those He shares with humans in some measure. We use the word often when we speak of a kind person or a kind gesture.
The Source of Kindness
If we are called to emulate God’s character, we must go to the Teacher himself. We must be thoroughly acquainted with the kindness of the Lord, which is very much tied to his goodness and mercy. The Psalmist says, “The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works,” and “The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works” (Ps. 145:13,17). We see in these verses a connection between who God is and what he does.
Those who are the best models of kindness are those who understand, model, and wisely teach others what the Teacher Himself has taught. As Paul reminded Timothy, “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach,” etc. (2 Tim 2:24). We are told of the Proverbs 31 woman, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Prov. 31:26).
The Application of Kindness
We are called to “trust in the Lord and do good” (Ps. 37:3). David gave us a wonderful example in 2 Samuel 9:1 when he said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
Kindness must express itself in action. This might include providing for the needy (Ps. 68:10), offering hospitality, even when needed on a moment’s notice in the cold and rain (Acts 28:2), or when kindness means sharing one’s trouble (Phil. 4:14).
We also show kindness when we are invited to share the gospel and we, like Peter when he was invited by Cornelius, are “kind enough to come” (Acts 10:33).
