“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
The most important reason to be kind to others is to follow the commandments of Christ. We know that everything God tells us to do is for our own benefit. Following God’s way will bring us success and joy in the long run.
- Sometimes we let our ego cause us to be unkind.
We believe we are better than the other person, so we have a right to be unkind. Maybe we think we have better manners, better hygiene, better social skills, more friends, more education, a higher social class, better clothes, a better house, a better car, or more wealth. It may be that you feel like you are doing them a favor by being unkind, so they and those around you will understand that you are not like them. You are better. You are superior.
When we exalt ourselves above others, it is sin. It violates the commandment “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 12:31) And “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth (Proverbs 14:21)
When we think we are superior to others, It’s as if think we have somehow made own self, and take the glory from God.
“Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;” (Psalms 100:3) And, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;” (2 Corinthians 3:5) And, ”But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)
To be unkind because of our ego is a sign of feelings of inadequacy and disregard of others. God doesn’t like it, you shouldn’t either. Work on having a healthy self-esteem, which can show itself in service and humility. You know who you are and don’t have to prove it.
Conclusion:
Being unkind can do great damage. To you. To your family. To your friends. To co-workers. To others around you.
Practicing kindness is a discipline we can all exercise. The more you practice something, the better you get at it. You will be greatly rewarded.
God has been kind to you. You can show your love to God by being kind to others.