I Will Show Kindness
1 Chronicles 19:2
"And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him."
Kindness seems to be a lost grace in our society. Years ago it seemed that it was common to be kind to people because that was the right thing to do. Now, our society has become so self-centered that showing kindness is forgotten.
When David heard that his friend, Nahash, had passed away, he wanted to show kindness to his son. Sadly, the kindness that David showed was rejected by this young man because of what the princes told him. This act of kindness was not a one-time action, but you find that this was part of David's character.
Kindness is defined as, "The quality of being friendly, generous and considerate." In other words, if you are going to be kind, then you cannot be focused on yourself. Each of these actions will only happen if you purposely take your eyes off yourself and place them on others. You will only be successful at showing kindness by living for others. Let me give you a few thoughts from this story about showing kindness.
First, you will have to purposely decide to be kind to people. Being friendly should become a part of your personality. Saying, "Hello" to people as you see them is simply a part of being kind to people. Opening the door when you are in front of someone is being kind and friendly to people. Being generous and considerate should also be a part of your daily life. Again, this is a purposeful act that you must decide to do. David said, "I will shew kindness..." This was something David decided to do, and you must decide to be kind if you are purposely going to do these things.
Second, true kindness does not look for anything in return. David wasn't trying to be kind to see what he could get out of this young man, but he wanted to be kind because of the heartache that this young man faced. Your purpose in being kind to people should never be to get something in return. In fact, true kindness is doing something for someone when they can't do anything in return. Though it is proper for them to return gratitude when you are kind, true kindness doesn't even look for gratitude for it is pleased because it helped someone.
Third, if someone shows kindness to you, accept it and respond in the proper manner. If someone is friendly towards you, then be friendly in return. If someone is generous towards you, then thank them for their generosity. If someone is considerate of you, then thank them for their thoughtfulness. Don't be like this young man who responded adversely towards kindness.
Christians should be known for their kindness. Kindness has nothing to do with your positional stance on scriptural issues, it has all to do with your character. The greatest way to let your stance on scriptural issues help others is to be kind to them. Kindness will take the edge off, and will cause others to realize what you have is real. Make it a habit to show kindness to others on a daily basis. This will help you to have a better influence on those around you so that you can influence them for Christ.