Love Is: Kind

The Biblical definition of kindness is; selfless, compassionate, and merciful; its greatest power revealed in practice to our enemies. Love your neighbor; show kindness to EVERYONE. For a perfect emblem of Biblical kindness, we need look no further than Jesus.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

I think kindness has to start with Jesus. Just like the biblical definition says, we need to look no further than Jesus for an example of perfect kindness. The more we read our bible and spend time with God, the more we become like Jesus. The more we are able to not only understand kindness, but show kindness.

I believe mercy is one of the most powerful acts of kindness that we can show in our relationships. The definition of mercy is; compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. By responding to others with mercy, at the very least the problem or situation should de-escalate. 

This is something I am still learning as a newlywed because it’s so much easier to show anger in a stressful situation or when something doesn’t go your way. Anger is our all our flesh and typically a natural response, which is why it feels good in the moment. But when we respond with anger it not only causes more relational problems, but also our spirit gets convicted. KINDNESS is harder to show, but it’s always the more wise response in an unpleasant situation.

Have you ever heard the saying “kill them with kindness.” I think it’s because we often underestimate what kindness can do. It has the power to diffuse a heated situation in one act or word. 

We GET to be kind to others because God was first kind to us. If you want a strong marriage, practice patience & kindness as often as you can. I know I have only been married a short time, but I can say that every day there are opportunities to show patience & kindness to my husband. 

My husband alway says, everything in life is like a muscle. You may feel weak in a certain areas but the more you practice something, the stronger you become. The more you practice patience & kindness, not only does it start to happen more naturally but the stronger your marriage/relationships will become.