Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Kindness. It sounds like an old-fashioned idea, but one man traveled the world relying entirely on it.
Leon Logothetis was a man in search of kindness. He traveled the world relying entirely on the help of strangers, as documented in his book and TV series “The Kindness Diaries.”[1] When a homeless man, who had almost nothing, offered Leon his only blanket, Leon realized that kindness is the universal language we’re all capable of, yet too often we forget to practice. Only kindness can silence the noise of competition and stop the clamor of selfish grasping.
The Bible is realistic about the world we find ourselves in—it’s one of callous lust, hardened hearts, and rampant dishonesty. The writer of the Bible book of Ephesians describes a world filled with greed, cruel words, sharp anger, and the poison of bitterness. God reminds us to get rid of all these things and, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven [us]” (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus came to give us the incredible example of kindness, paired with forgiveness. How we need this but rarely see it.
Showing kindness doesn’t just benefit those around you; it transforms you, the giver, as well. Scientific studies have shown that acts of kindness can increase happiness, reduce stress, and even improve physical health.[2] Kindness is a powerful God-given tool that transforms us, while touching others with the love of Jesus.
In this world of stress and conflict, what simple act of kindness can you show today?
[1] Logothetis, Leon. The Kindness Diaries: One Man’s Quest to Ignite Goodwill and Transform Lives Around the World. Reader’s Digest, 2017.
[2] Schainker, Lisa. “The Benefits of Kindness on Mental Well-being.” USU Extension, Utah State University, 17 Feb. 2023, https://extension.usu.edu/mental-health/articles/the-benefits-of-kindness.
