Love and Kindness Go Hand in Hand
World Kindness Day is November 13. I think we’d all agree kindness is a trait worth cultivating. Let’s join hands with love and kindness, and make a difference by touching someone’s heart not only on November 13, but every day.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).
God’s Word stresses the importance of being kind. The word kindness is referenced in forty-seven books of the Bible for a grand total of 322 times.[i] The Bible brims with the kind acts of Jesus and is a desired trait for His children.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).
Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. When we live to please the Spirit, we produce the fruit of the Spirit.
…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
3 Benefits of Kindness
I’ve been the recipient of kindness from others. I bet you have too. You already know that kindness can touch hearts and changes lives. But some might be surprised to learn practicing kindness benefits us as much as receiving it.
1. Kindness is good for our mental and emotional health.
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves (Proverbs 11:17).
Performing acts of kindness makes people happier. In one study, participants completed five random acts of kindness on a specific day, once a week, over a ten-week period. Upon completion, participants reported elevated happiness.
But the study revealed it’s important to vary the acts. The act of buying coffee five times for five different people didn’t result in the same level of happiness as carrying out varying actions. The reason is related to our emotional investment. Repeating the same action multiple times doesn’t involve as much effort as coming up with five different acts of intentional kindness (Hamilton 3).[i]
Many psychologists claim we’re genetically wired for kindness. I believe this to be true because God creates us to be kind. When we deny our natural inclination to show kindness, our nervous system in stressed which does the opposite of good for our health (Hamilton 68-71).
2. Kindness is good for our physical health.
Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body (Proverbs 16:24).
Kindness benefits our heart and immune system. New studies show it might help us live longer” (Hamilton 44-47). This good news can be attributed to oxytocin, a hormone released when we connect with others. The “oxytocin flows through our brain and body.” It helps “keep our blood pressure low, heal our wounds, and even prevents damage to the cardiovascular system.” Oxytocin reduces levels of free radicals and inflammation in the heart, thus, slowing aging (Hamilton 57-59).
Performing kindnesses for others also battles two risks faced by cardiac patients: depression and isolation (Ferrucci 249)[i]
When we show kindness to others, we show others the love of God. #WorldKindnessDay #kindness Share on X3. Kindness shows others the love of God.
Love is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4).
Love and kindness go hand-in-hand. If love is kind, as says First Corinthians, then kindness is love in action. When we show kindness to others, we show others the love of God. Jesus says love for God is the first and greatest commandment and the second is like it:
Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-38).
Observing World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day is November 13. The day is an international holiday unofficially observed in many countries, including the United States. Its objective is to spread kindness with small gestures. The major goal of the day is to promote kindness to prevail over hatred.[i]
I think we’d all agree kindness is a trait worth cultivating. Let’s join hands with love and kindness, and make a difference by touching someone’s heart not only on November 13, but every day.
Actions don’t have to be big. A touch, a smile, a glance, a compliment all speak volumes to someone who is lonely, sick, or feels invisible. Small and silent actions can bring the greatest blessings. To both you and the recipient.
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness finds life, prosperity, and honor (Proverbs 21:21).
Bonus Activity: Failures of Kindness
“Failures of Kindness” is a commencement address delivered by George Saunders. The speech is both moving and thought-provoking.
Tell us about a kindness you’ve received or given in the comments. Or share your favorite Scripture about kindness.
Happy Kindness Sharing!
[i] https://nationaltoday.com/world-kindness-day/
[i] Ferrucci, Piero. The Power of Kindness. New York: Penguin Group. 2006
[i] Hamilton, David R., Why Kindness is Good for You. US: Hay House, Inc. 2010.
[i] https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Kindness
You’ve written a beautiful post. Although I missed World Kindness Day, today is Black Friday. I’m sure I can find someone to show kindness to as I head out into the craziness that awaits me! 🙂
You mentioned how important kindness is to those feeling lonely or unseen…but even when I am in a good place, a kindness to me draws me closer to God in thankfulness… and makes it easier for me to share His love with others. I love your post!
That is so true, Barbara. A kindness from another always lifts my heart and makes me feel good all over. It’s important to show kindness to everyone.
Blessings to you.
Kindness is so important in our world today. It is a shame we need a day to remind people to be kind. Thanks for sharing
I agree. Kindness should be our default. I think the goal of the holiday is to bring more awareness to the world’s need for kindness. The more kindnesses we share, the more kindnesses by others will increase because of the ripple effect.
Great information, Candyce! Romans 2:4 NLT “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
I love that Scripture, Annie. Thanks for sharing. He is kind in every way and His patience astounds me.
Who knew there was a world kindness day? 🤷🏻♀️
The first thing I thought of when I saw the number 13 was I Corinthians 13. “Love is kind.” Since God is love, and Love is kind, when we show kindness we are showing Who God is.
Thanks for this Candyce. The world could use a lot more kindness.
I hadn’t thought of the relationship between 1 Cor. 13 and Nov. 13. I do wonder if that’s behind the reason the 13th was chosen for World Kindness Day. I hope so!
Terri, Thanks for that thought. Now I need to do more research.
It’s been my goal for many years to be more kind. Thankfully, our Father has answered my prayers and helped me on this journey. That’s not to say that I’m there yet! Thank you for this inspiring and encouraging message to give me a boost.
We’re on that journey together, Katherine. I’m working to improve kindness is actions, words, and thoughts. Sometimes I’m too quiet and non-committal or sound short with my replies when I don’t mean to. I ask God to show me people who could use a kindness. And isn’t that most all of us?
So enjoyed Ms. Candyce. Have you ever considered that there’s a reason “Love” is the first spiritual gift listed? It seems that the others seem to stem from that one. We show God’s love when we exercise all the other gifts. Joy is rooted in God’s love for us. Patience requires us to love others as we restrain our human instincts to place another ahead of ourselves. On and on it goes. Kindness, most especially, is a direct manifestation of God’s love, isn’t it? Great insights my friend. Thank you!
I have considered that JD. Not to mention the Scripture describing what love is in 1 Corinthians 13. Love also has a prominent position in the Ten Commandments.
Thanks for adding your thoughts, kind sir.
Thank you Candyce for telling us about kindness day. Small acts of kindness take small amounts or time- a smile, “ thank you”, or calling a cashier by name.
And such small acts go a long way toward making someone’s day. I’ve been there.
Kindness is missing in so much of our world. The objective is on the fast paced goal driven attitudes that pass people by. Taking the time for any act of kindness puts the focus on the other person which does, in turn, bless the giver. Thanks, Candyce, for bringing Kindness Day to our attention!
You’re right, Barbara. When we work to be a blessing to someone, we end up being blessed it turn. I guess we could say It’s a blessing to be a blessing!
Have a great week!
Thank you Candyce, I was unaware of World Kindness Day! Thanks for sharing.
Organizers are working to have the day recognized as an official national holiday as it already is in a few countries. I hope it happens. Anything promoting kindness is a great cause.