World Kindness Day dates back to 1997 through the World Kindness Movement organization. However, it did not become officially registered until 2019. The movement’s purpose was “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” And although the day is for everyone, what can Christians take away or implement in it specifically?
How does World Kindness Day link to Christianity?
The first thing Christians might think about when it comes to kindness is the Golden Rule: Do to others what you would have them do to you. It’s a simple idea taught to us as children, so we are not pulling on Suzie’s hair or stealing Tom’s toys on the playground. Contextually, it comes from Matthew 7:12, which says, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” It’s interesting because the verse starts by focusing on how we want to be treated. By acknowledging that need in ourselves for kindness, etc., we should then acknowledge that other people would have similar needs and, therefore, must be treated the same. This is exactly what the purpose of World Kindness Day aims to accomplish.
As Christians, it is expected for us to be “extra kind,” especially to people who are not kind to us. I know for myself I can get frustrated with what seems to be a ridiculous standard from the world. But, with the bible as a guide, it’s not as far-fetched an idea as it would seem. Colossians 3:12-13 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” The verse mentions more than kindness, but it is vital to realize that the next command of forgiving cannot be accomplished without kindness. The heavy weight we carry when we haven’t forgiven someone is not a new concept. Sometimes it’s because we don’t know where to start, and if that’s the case, this verse answers our confusion and responds by being kind.
More Biblical Recommendations of Kindness
Another heart-jerker reason for kindness can be found in Matthew 5:46-48. “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” These verses not only show that we must care for one another, but they go a step beyond and use the word “love,” which encompasses kindness and more. If there were any day to truly “be perfect” as our heavenly Father, World Kindness Day would be the day to do it, and then we can work on all the other 364 days of the year.
To clarify semantics for everyone who saw the word “perfect” and decided this walk might not be for them, the same verse in the amplified version of the Bible says, “You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Perfect means growth and integrating godly values. It’s a journey, not a destination. And on that journey, we should look for environments that help us grow the Fruit of the Spirit. Yes, I had to add it in. It’s a classic. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
If you’re ever questioning your kindness on a random day or World Kindness Day, just ask yourself if you’re showing the additional characteristics of this verse since they all go hand in hand. It is just one fruit of the Spirit, not many fruits. Now, all this doesn’t mean World Kindness Day, and kindness, in general, isn’t for non-Christians. This is just an article with a few verses to show Christians that there is a basis to this day, and we can help the World Kindness Movement organization’s purpose of “focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.”
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