A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. (Proverbs 11:17 ESV)
Kindness
I recently ate at a local restaurant, and the serving staff was not kind. We had some cutlery issues, and while the matter was eventually resolved, it was clear that helping us was not a priority. I recently heard of a dental procedure, that while medically correct, was not carried out with kindness. The employee was gruff, not responsive to pain, and impatient. I recently dealt on the phone with a sales representative. While my questions were answered efficiently, the operator was cold, bored, and hurried.
In each case, the employee undoubtably had rational explanations for their lack of kindness. Kindness is not efficient. Kindness is not immediately profitable. Kindness is time-consuming.
But also in each case, I will not likely do business with those establishments.
Not only is kindness a characteristic of Christians, who display kindness as a fruit, but kindness is a long term investment in relationships. Not only do Christians get to reflect Christ’s kindness in our kindness, but that kindness will be favorably received. Not only do Christians have the Spirit-given ability to choose kindness, but kindness itself bears grand and joyful fruit.
Christ shows the way, and we get to follow Him in kindness.
Because kindness is a fruit.