Latest Devotion
Be Kind to Others
By: Julie Maschhoff
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
The word kindness is mentioned many times in Scripture. But what does it mean to be kind? The phrase “random acts of kindness,” was a popular catchphrase in the 1990's, and it was supposed to remind us to be kind to others. Eventually, it evolved into a National Day of Kindness that is observed each year on Feb. 17th. But is kindness an action? Is it something we must do? Or is it something deeper, something that stems from the heart?
Due to the bullying that occurs in schools, values are being taught in classrooms across the country. But can a bully be taught kindness? Will they be kind when no one is watching? Could a person do kind things but not actually be a kind person? Or could a kind person occasionally commit a few unkind acts? These are tough questions to answer, but our opening verse from Ephesians gives us straightforward instructions. We must always be kind to others just as God was kind to us. When our Heavenly Father sent Jesus to the cross for us, it was certainly more than a “random act of kindness,” wasn’t it?
God has shown us great kindness in many ways. First, by creating us and giving us life. Next, by giving us our family and friends. But His most important gift of kindness was the gift of His only Son. Through Him, we have the opportunity to have eternal life in paradise. Jesus modeled kindness for us, so by imitating Him, we can view others as equals and learn to treat them kindly.
As Christ followers, we must treat everyone and everything with kindness. True kindness, the kindness mentioned in God's Word doesn’t pick and choose who it is offered to, and it doesn't expect anything in return. God alone can help us grow in kindness towards others. Kindness is definitely part of God's will, so if we're struggling to be kind, we must ask for God's help. Ask God to give you a kind heart, then ask Him to help you put it into action!
Heavenly Father, help us have a heart for others like you do. Holy Spirit, help us develop a deep, internal kindness from our hearts. God, give us opportunities to be kind to others, just as you have been kind to us. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.