The Spiritual Power and Importance of Christian Kindness

Being kind is of the utmost importance because it is the practical exhibition of the religion of Jesus Christ and a vital step in the progression toward Christian perfection4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 34+1. It is not merely a social nicety but a sacred obligation that reflects the love of Jesus in the heart and misrepresents Him if it is absent12MR 108.3+1.

Kindness as a Divine Requirement

Kindness is a central attribute of God's character that we are called to emulate in every interactionNWAD PERFECTION.8+1.

• The Command to be Kind: The Word of God explicitly enjoins His children to be of one mind, having compassion, and being pitiful and courteous 1 Peter 3:8.

• Following the Example of Christ: We must be universally kind because Christ was kind during His mission to our world7LtMs, Lt 37, 1891, par. 15.

• A Fragrant Life: When the love of Jesus is in the heart, it makes the life fragrant with tender love and gives to all the milk of human kindness12MR 108.3+1.

The Role of Kindness in Spiritual Growth

Kindness is a fundamental round on the "ladder" of Christian progress and sanctificationPCP 56.5+1.

• The Plan of Addition: We are instructed to work on the plan of addition, which includes adding brotherly kindness to godliness, and eventually crowning these with charity 2 Peter 1:5-7.

• Necessary for Entrance into Heaven: Those who reach the highest rounds of the ladder, where love and kindness lead, are given an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom 2 Peter 1:114LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 34.

• A Barrier Against Temptation: Revealing God's goodness and kindness daily raises barriers around the soul against the temptations of the evil oneRH January 14, 1890, par. 3.

Kindness in Relationships and Ministry

The manifestation of kindness has the power to transform hearts and unify the churchT31 170.1+1.

• Winning Souls: Words of courage and hope, spoken from a heart filled with the grace of Christ, have the power to soften hard hearts and win opposers to the faithT31 170.1+1.

• Reaching the Degraded: Even those in the depths of degradation can respond to earnest effort when they are laid hold of by love and kindnessChS 136.4.

• Unity in the Church: Brotherly kindness and love are the cords that bind the church together, replacing jangling, accusation, and suspicion with respect and compassion11MR 261.1+1.

• Kindness in the Home: Tendency toward critical words or a hard, combative spirit in the home makes one unfit for the heavenly homePCP 20.1+1.

The Fruits of a Kind Disposition

True kindness is more than a head knowledge; it is a celestial spirit that informs all dutiesARSH May 2, 1865, page 169.11.

• Refining the Character: The religion of Christ is designed to soften what is harsh in the temper and refine whatever is rugged in the deportment4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 34.

• Unselfish Service: Divine love in the heart exterminates pride and selfishness, leading one to find joy in blessing others and performing even the smallest acts of duty12LtMs, Ms 177, 1897, par. 46+1.

• Practical Results: Choosing kindness and hospitality can even lead to entertaining angels unawares, as seen in the lives of Abraham and LotST August 3, 1891, par. 2.

In summary, kindness is a Bible virtue that serves as a vital evidence of our union with God and our fitness for His kingdom4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 34+1. To lack kindness is to be spiritually blind and to forget the mercy we ourselves have received 2 Peter 1:9ST September 12, 1900, par. 5.