Beloved, in a world filled with division, hostility, and misunderstandings, kindness is not just a virtue—it is a lifeline. When conflicts arise, our natural instinct may be to defend ourselves, retaliate, or withdraw in hurt. But as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently. We are called to be rooted in kindness.
Our memory verse for this month, Ephesians 4:32, reminds us of this powerful truth:
"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 merely a suggestion; it is a command that reflects the very nature of our Savior. Kindness is more than a momentary act—it is a way of life, a posture of the heart that reflects Christ in us. And when we are deeply rooted in kindness, we grow in love, patience, humility, compassion, forgiveness, faithfulness, joy, gentleness, peace, self-control, and gratitude.
So how do we stay rooted in kindness, even when faced with conflict? Let’s explore the foundation, the practice, and the endurance of kindness as we go deep, grow deep, and stay rooted in Christ.
Deep Roots: The Biblical Foundation of Kindness
Ephesians 4:32 was written by the Apostle Paul as part of his letter to the church in Ephesus. In this chapter, Paul urges believers to walk in unity, forsake their old ways, and adopt a Christlike character. The verse follows a series of exhortations about putting away bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice (Ephesians 4:31). Instead of reacting in these ways, we are called to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.
But what does kindness mean from a biblical perspective?
Kindness (Greek: chrēstos) – This word means “useful, gentle, gracious, and morally good.” It is the same word used to describe the kindness of God (Titus 3:4).
Compassion (Greek: eusplanchnos) – This word translates to “tenderhearted” or “full of deep mercy.” It describes a heart moved by love.
Forgiveness (Greek: charizomai) – This word means “to show grace” and is rooted in the word for grace (charis). True forgiveness is an act of undeserved grace, mirroring what we have received from Christ.
When we understand these meanings, we see that kindness is not just politeness—it is a deep, sacrificial love that reflects God’s heart. When we are deeply rooted in kindness, we are strengthened to reflect His grace, even in conflict.
Go Deep: Cultivating Kindness in Our Hearts
To be truly kind, we must cultivate kindness at the root level of our hearts. Here are three spiritual practices to help us go deeper in kindness:
Meditate on Scripture
- Memorize Ephesians 4:32 and reflect on how Christ has shown you kindness.
- Study other passages about God’s kindness (Romans 2:4, Titus 3:4-5, Colossians 3:12).
Pray for a Kind Heart
- Ask God to transform your heart so that kindness flows naturally, even in conflict.
- Pray for those who challenge you, asking God to soften your response.
Journal Your Reactions
- Write about a recent conflict. Were you kind? If not, what would have helped you respond differently?
- Record moments when you experienced kindness and how they impacted you.
By going deep in God’s Word and in prayer, we allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate true kindness in us.
Grow Deep: Practicing Kindness Daily
It is not enough to understand kindness—we must live it out in real, tangible ways. Here are three practical ways to grow deep in kindness, even in conflict:
Speak with Grace, Not Harshness
Instead of reacting in anger, pause and choose your words wisely. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” When faced with a tense moment, ask yourself:
- Will my words bring peace or fuel the fire?
- Am I speaking with grace and love?
Show Kindness in Action
Kindness is not just words—it is action. Jesus tells us to love our enemies and do good to those who hurt us (Luke 6:27-28). This may look like:
- Extending a helping hand to someone who has wronged you.
- Choosing to let go of resentment and treating them with dignity.
Practice Forgiveness as a Lifestyle
Ephesians 4:32 ties kindness directly to forgiveness. If we hold onto bitterness, we cannot walk in true kindness. Remember:
- Forgiveness is not saying what happened was okay, but choosing to release the burden to God.
- Forgiveness frees us to be kind, even when kindness is undeserved.
When we make kindness a habit, it becomes part of our spiritual DNA.
Stay Rooted: Persevering in Kindness When It’s Hard
There will be moments when kindness feels impossible—when people wound us, misunderstand us, or take advantage of us. But Jeremiah 17:7-8 reminds us that when our trust is in the Lord, we are like a tree planted by the water.
- We do not fear when the heat of conflict comes.
- Our leaves remain green because we are nourished by God’s love.
- We never fail to bear fruit—even in difficult seasons.
Staying rooted in kindness requires us to trust God, even when we don’t see immediate results. We don’t have to force kindness—it flows naturally when we are deeply connected to Christ, our Living Water.
Choose to Stay Rooted in Kindness
Beloved, kindness is more than a virtue—it is a calling. God has been kind to us, so we must be kind to others. As you go through this month, remember:
- Go Deep by meditating on Scripture, praying, and reflecting on your responses.
- Grow Deep by speaking with grace, acting in love, and practicing forgiveness.
- Stay Rooted by trusting in God’s strength when kindness feels hard.
And when conflict arises, pause and ask yourself: Will I be a reflection of Christ in this moment?
Prayer: Lord, Make Us Kind
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the kindness You have shown us through Jesus Christ. Help us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as You have forgiven us. In moments of conflict, fill us with patience and wisdom. Let our words be full of grace, our hearts full of mercy, and our actions full of love. Keep us rooted in kindness, so that we may reflect Your character in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Let’s stay rooted in kindness this month, church family! 🌱💙