Crude. Coarse. Crass. These words often describe our culture today. It is seen and heard in all segments of our society as people interact in business, sports and politics. It is evident in the entertainment industry. And is too often witnessed in the way young people talk to one another.
So what’s the solution to this national epidemic of abrasive behavior? It’s a simple Bible command. Often overlooked. Easily ignored. Difficult to do, sometimes.
The Apostle Paul exhorted, “Be kind to one another.” (Eph 4:32)
The word translated kind means “useful, virtuous, good, manageable, pleasant, mild.”
Kindness is one of the qualities of love (1Cor. 13:4).
The character of the new man in Christ is to be clothed in kindness (Col. 3:12).
The fruit of the Holy Spirit living in us is kindness, along with love, joy peace, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.
Among the virtues that Peter says needs to be added to our faith is brotherly kindness (2 Peter 1:7).
Why so much about kindness in the scriptures? Because it is so easy to be unkind, to speak sharply, and to act in a way that lacks civility and common courtesy. Our fleshly nature is filled with pride, selfishness and an exaggerated sense of our importance. These are enemies of brotherly kindness.
Often when we become irritated with others and impatient with their faults, sharp words that reflect a spirit of unkindness can come forth from our hearts and out of our mouths.
Some may say, “Well, I am just a blunt person. That’s just the way I am.” God says, if you are blunt to the point of being unkind, you need to change! He says, “Be kind one to another.”
Another may argue, “You can’t beat around the bush with people. You’ve got to get to the point.” If you’re getting to the point is done in an unkind manner, God desires that you change your approach!
“But, I don’t mean to be unkind,” one may protest, “It just comes out that way.” Good! Since you don’t mean it, God says you need to work on your heart. Change what is inside and what will come out will be kind!
In a world that is often insensitive, cold and calloused, Christians are called upon to be different. As we interact with our brethren, friends and family, let’s learn to be nice. Be considerate. Be caring. Be loving. Be patient. Be kind.
Kindness overlooks minor issues. Kindness encourages the weak, the novice, and the timid. Kindness lifts up the young and inspires them to greater service.
Unkindness discourages. Disheartens. Demoralizes. When we are unkind we dampen the spirit of others.
Let’s all work on being kinder and gentler. Let’s rid ourselves of cutting remarks. Cruel put downs. Critical judgments.
Kindness will make the home happier, the church family closer, and our friends friendlier! And it is the answer to the crudeness of our culture today.
Clothe yourself with kindness!
—Ken Weliever. The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
I like to say “a little bit of kindness goes a long way”! Great post! Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you brother Weliever for your post; this is an area I hope to improve in, and I am thankful for the examples of kindness I can see in you and many of our brethren who have made this attribute a part of your lives!
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Thank you! I appreciate you reading my blog and taking the time to comment
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Thank you for yet another application of The Word we so badly need in today’s world. And thank you, my brother, for spending that which can never be repaid in this life in this effort.
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You’re welcome Bill.
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081Y me Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Having been raised in the south, I have been shocked by the attitude of many who were so blessed. I have always found it to be easy to act and react kindly. This does not mean I am slow or slow witted. It is just another application of the Golden Rule. In my training to become a teacher a professor said to always be the teacher you would want your child to have. It takes so much more effort to be unkind and that is a lot of energy wasted and will have us going away with a very hollow feeling that should be filled with kindness and Godliness.
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Well said, Don! Thanks for sharing
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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GREAT LESSON THAT I NEED. THINK BEFORE SPEAKING – NOW IF I COULD JUST REMEMBER THAT AT THE RIGHT TIME.
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LOL! Me too, Billie!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Good lesson as I continue to work to improve.
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Thanks, Erma! Well, I’m still working on it too!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Reblogged this on ThePreachersWord and commented:
We’re taking a short Thanksgiving blogging break, so here’s a reblogged post from 8 years ago today. It ought to resonate with all of us more than ever.
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