Kindness and Compassion

by Christo Rust:

Life tests us constantly. I was reminded of this for the umpteenth time at the beginning of my work week, having to deal with what I call ‘people problems’ – all of which aren’t new and never grow old. 

In a corporate setting, where all sorts of problems need to be solved -one after another, kindness and compassion can quickly take a back seat. I mean in a “broken” world and being “broken” people, we all have seen and have lived through these scenarios. Whether it is a work conflict, struggles with family members and friends, or even frustrating encounters with strangers; each of these situations can quickly fall into the “easy to be un-kind” category. 

Sometimes it is really hard to be nice and be kind to those around us, especially in these uncertain times, with COVID-19, living with financial stressors, and recently adding race tensions and civil unrest to the merry mix. 

As God’s people we are reminded about kindness and why we must be forgiving and show love to others. It’s what God did and continues to do for us. 

The least we could do is return the favor to others.
The Good Samaritan showed kindness and compassion by placing the needs of another person ahead of his own. Keeping a promise to be kind can also come at a high cost. A fellow prisoner forgot Joseph’s request to be kind to him. The cupbearer failed Joseph, which resulted in him having to stay in prison two years longer than he needed to. 

God wants us to be compassionate and kind to our enemies as well, which is a very difficult thing to do. But in doing so, we will be compensated if we live a life distributing love, compassion and kindness wherever we go.

For those days when all of us need a little reminder and a lot of encouragement of what’s at stake, the following 5 verses from the Bible should prove very helpful. 

(Compiled from 24 Bible verses about kindness)

Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Treating others how you want to be treated is one of the ways to display that you are one of God’s children.

Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Being kind to others, even when it is not immediately responded to, can provide many blessings. God rewards our efforts in His time.

Acts 28:2
“The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.”
Showing love and kindness to others, even when they are not like us, will not cause us suffering.

Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
We have been chosen to be kind to our fellow brothers and sisters, this is God’s desire for all of us.

2 Samuel 9:7
“‘Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’”
How you treat others will be remembered for years to come and your gestures will be beneficial to those that come after you.

Prayer
In this broken world You have been kind to me Lord, I need You to help me to act in kindness and compassion to others.
Amen