We are not born kind. We are born with an instinct to survive. This is why a baby cries when hungry, cold, uncomfortable etc. Child psychologists basically term the first two years of a child’s life as egocentric because in the child’s mind, he/she is the center of the universe. A baby is unable to comprehend abstract thought, but rather is concerned only with the objects and people around them. As far as a concern for people, it is not a concern for the other’s well-being, but how the child can get the person to give s/he what s/he wants. This sounds cruel, but it isn’t. It is how the child survives. However, as a child develops, s/he starts to think in the abstract and can begin to express thoughts and feelings. This is when the concept of being kind to others is often taught by parents to the child. But how does an adult know about kindness if not taught as a child? It is through the moral sense God has given each of us as He made us. It is because the origin of kindness comes from God Himself.
It is God’s kindness and love that draws us towards Him. God isn’t considered kind because He provides for us and is indeed kind towards us. Rather, kindness is an absolute characteristic of who He is. He is not God, if He is not kind.
I will sing of the lovingkindness of the Lord forever; to all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth. Psalm 89:1
God is not just kind, He is lovingkindness. Lovingkindness, according to Dictionary.com is tender kindness, motivated by expressing affection. In other words, God’s kindness is one way in which He expresses His unconditional love towards us. God wants us to have a blessed life that is full and has purpose. This doesn’t mean He blesses all of us with financial wealth (which doesn’t bring happiness), but with individual blessings that He knows will give us peace and pleasure.
God knows exactly how to shower us with kindness because He made each and every one of us and He knows our unique desires. For some, it may be enjoying nature, for others it may be having a large family and all the raucousness that comes with it. It may be unexpected help from neighbors when we need it most. God showers His lovingkindness on us, even when we don’t know it.
God’s lovingkindness is a loyal kindness. He does not take His kindness away. As a matter of fact, His lovingkindness redeems us of our sins. “The atonement for man’s sin is the result of God’s loyal love and faithfulness (Ryrie, 2012).” God knew we could not be holy on our own merits so He gave us His Son as a sacrifice for us. This is His ultimate act of kindness towards us.
By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for… Proverbs 16:6a
God is not just kind, He is abundant in lovingkindness. He oozes tender kindness. He can’t help Himself, because it is who He is. Along with kindness, God is also truth, merciful, gracious, and slow to anger. It is these characteristics of God that draws us to Him.
But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Psalm 86:15
Some may ask, if God is all these things, then why does He allow bad things to happen? This really is a very complicated question that doesn’t have one simple answer. However, since the focus of this blog is the origin of kindness, I will just answer, evil comes from Satan, not God. This is an important truth. Many want to blame God for difficulties they may encounter in life, but this really is not true. It is Satan lying to us. Only good things come from God. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that evil comes from God.
Evil can’t come from God because it is not a characteristic of His character. Rather it is the opposite. He is the origin of kindness and He is the one we must base our own kindness towards others upon. And let’s not forget, we need to also treat ourselves with kindness. The best possible way is to stay in communication with God through His word and prayer. We need to make God our mentor of kindness because He is the originator and master of it.
But when the kindness of God our Savior
and His love for mankind appeared,
He saved us not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness,
but according to His mercy,
by the washing of regeneration
and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
whom He poured out upon us richly
through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that by being justified by His grace
we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7
Photo credit: Power Packed Promises. January 18,2019. http://www.powerpackedpromises.com/promises-and-inspiration/2018/12/2
