Kindness Is Not Convenience

Read

Mathew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Think

Kindness is often misunderstood. We associate it with being polite, using soft words, smiling more, holding the door, tossing a compliment. And while all of those things matter, biblical kindness is something far deeper—and far more demanding. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus gives what we now call the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” It sounds simple. It’s printed on mugs and cross-stitched on throw pillows. But what Jesus is calling us to isn’t surface-level niceness. It’s Spirit-empowered, others-centered action. It’s the kind of kindness that doesn’t wait for someone to deserve it, request it, or return it.

The Greek word used for kindness in Galatians 5, chrēstotēs, means more than just being nice. It’s a moral goodness, a heart posture that naturally expresses itself in compassion and care. It’s love – shown. Not theorized. Not withheld until it’s convenient. But lived out in tangible, selfless ways—even when it costs you something. That’s why kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. Because it’s not always easy. It doesn’t always come naturally. And it’s not just for the people we like or the ones who treat us well. True kindness reveals itself when it's inconvenient. When it interrupts your day, challenges your comfort, or reaches across lines you didn’t plan to cross.

Kindness is what Jesus showed the woman at the well—engaging someone others ignored. It’s what he showed to Zacchaeus—inviting himself into the life of someone everyone else rejected. It’s what he extended to the thief on the cross—offering mercy even as he was suffering. His kindness was never passive. It moved toward people. And it still does. But too often, we wait. We wait until we have more time, more margin, more energy. We say things like, “I’ll reach out when life slows down.” “I’ll help when I’m not so drained.” But the people who need kindness don’t need it eventually—they need it now. And what if your inconvenience is God’s invitation?

Kindness is not about grand gestures. It’s about everyday obedience. It’s in the pause before you speak. The way you frame your feedback. The tone you use with your parents or your kids. It’s in the text you send that you didn’t have to. The encouragement you offer that you didn’t feel like giving. The generosity that stretches beyond your usual comfort zone. And kindness isn’t weak. It doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you or ignoring truth. Real kindness is strong. It speaks truth with grace. It’s full of courage—because it requires you to be present, patient, and selfless in a world that rewards being loud, quick, and self-protective.

Maybe the reason kindness has grown so rare is because it costs more than we thought. It costs attention. It costs margin. It costs our pride. But it’s also one of the most powerful expressions of Jesus the world can see. In a culture of sarcasm, division, and outrage, kindness makes people stop and take notice. It reflects a different kingdom.

As we begin this week, the question isn’t, “How can I be nicer?” The question is, “What kind of kindness is the Spirit inviting me to show—even if it’s inconvenient?” Who’s in front of me that I’ve been overlooking? Where am I holding back because it’s easier not to engage? What would it look like to stop waiting for perfect conditions—and start practicing kindness today? Because kindness isn’t just a moment. It’s a mindset. And when it’s rooted in the Spirit, it grows into a life that looks more and more like Jesus.

Apply

Look for one moment today to go out of your way to be kind—when it interrupts your schedule, stretches your comfort, or costs your time. Buy someone lunch. Call the person who’s hard to love. Offer help without being asked. Don’t wait until it’s easy. Let kindness become an intentional, visible act.

Pray

Jesus, you never waited for kindness to be convenient. You moved toward the hurting, the overlooked, and the difficult with compassion and grace. Help me do the same. Soften my heart, slow my pace, and open my eyes to the people around me. Make my life reflect your kindness, even when it costs me something. In Jesus’ name. Amen.