Encouragement for the Journey of Growing in Kindness
The Challenge and Blessing of Kindness
Kindness is one of the most beautiful virtues of the Christian life, yet it is also one of the most challenging. It is easy to be kind when life is peaceful, but what about when we face conflict? When someone speaks harshly, offends us, or acts unjustly, our natural response is often defensiveness, frustration, or even withdrawal. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher way—a way that reflects the heart of God.
Ephesians 4:32 reminds us of this calling:
"Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32, NASB)
This verse is not just a suggestion; it is an invitation to embody the kindness that God has so graciously shown to us. It is a call to extend grace even in moments of tension, to choose compassion when faced with conflict, and to remember that our kindness is a reflection of the One who is infinitely kind.
If you’ve ever struggled to respond with kindness—if you’ve ever felt like it’s too hard, too draining, or even impossible—this message is for you. God is at work in you, strengthening you to walk in kindness even in the most difficult moments.
Encouraging Scriptural Reflection: Strength to Walk in Kindness
Ephesians 4:32 is a powerful reminder that our kindness is not rooted in our own strength but in Christ’s love. The verse gives us three essential principles for responding to conflict with kindness:
Be Kind – Kindness is a choice, not just a feeling. It means treating others with gentleness, even when they don’t deserve it.
Be Compassionate – Compassion sees beyond the offense and recognizes the humanity in others. It helps us extend grace, remembering that everyone has struggles we may not see.
Forgive as Christ Forgave – True kindness is not transactional; it mirrors the radical forgiveness of Jesus. If Christ has forgiven us completely, how can we withhold kindness from others?
This verse does not ignore the reality of conflict, nor does it minimize the pain of being hurt. Instead, it gives us a roadmap to respond in a way that honors God. The ability to be kind in difficult situations is not something we achieve on our own—it is the result of God’s transforming work within us.
Words of Encouragement for the Journey
God is Patient and Gracious as We Grow
If responding with kindness in conflict feels difficult, take heart—God is not expecting instant perfection. He knows our struggles and walks with us as we grow. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that "He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6, NASB). Your journey of cultivating kindness is a work in progress, and God is faithfully shaping you along the way.
Struggling with Kindness Does Not Mean You Have Failed
It’s easy to feel discouraged when we fall short in showing kindness. Maybe you lost your patience with a family member or spoke harshly in a moment of frustration. Instead of allowing guilt to weigh you down, remember that every day is a new opportunity to grow. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Keep pressing forward, knowing that setbacks do not define your journey.
God is Working in You to Build Kindness
Kindness is not something we muster up by sheer willpower—it is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). As we seek God daily, He cultivates this virtue within us. The more we abide in Him, the more His character shines through us. Even when kindness feels unnatural, God is at work within you, helping you to reflect His love.
Small Steps of Faithfulness Make a Big Difference
Sometimes we think of kindness in grand gestures, but it is often in the small, daily choices where God works the most. A gentle response instead of a harsh one, a smile instead of a frown, a soft word instead of criticism—these little acts build a foundation of kindness in our hearts and in the lives of those around us. Do not underestimate the impact of the small ways you show kindness; they ripple further than you realize.
Practical Steps to Stay Encouraged in Kindness
Here are some ways to cultivate and sustain kindness in your daily walk:
✅ Keep Ephesians 4:32 in Sight – Write it down and place it somewhere visible as a daily reminder. Let God’s Word shape your heart.
✅ Pause Before Reacting – When faced with conflict, take a deep breath and ask, “How can I reflect God’s kindness in this moment?”
✅ Pray for a Kind Heart – Daily ask God to fill you with His Spirit and help you respond with kindness, even in difficult situations.
✅ Surround Yourself with Encouraging Voices – Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you to walk in kindness.
✅ Extend Grace to Yourself – When you fall short, don’t dwell on failure. Confess, learn, and keep going.
God is Faithful to Complete the Work in You
Beloved, do not be discouraged. God sees your desire to grow in kindness, and He is walking with you in every step of the journey. Responding to conflict with kindness is not about suppressing emotions or ignoring pain—it is about trusting God to work through you in the midst of difficulties.
Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is a reflection of God’s love. Every moment of choosing grace over resentment strengthens your character. And every effort to align your heart with Christ’s example is shaping you into the person He created you to be.
So keep pressing forward. Keep trusting Him. Keep extending kindness even when it’s hard. And know that He is molding you into a vessel of His grace.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your endless kindness toward us. Teach us to walk in that same kindness, especially when we face conflict and difficult situations. Strengthen our hearts to choose compassion over bitterness, gentleness over harshness, and love over resentment. When we struggle, remind us that You are patient with us and that Your grace is sufficient.
Lord, help us to see others through Your eyes and to extend the kindness You have so freely given to us. Transform our hearts so that we reflect Your love in our words, actions, and responses. May we be a light in the lives of those around us, showing Your goodness in all we do.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
💛 Let’s walk in kindness this month! What is one way you can practice kindness today?
Remember—every small step of kindness matters!