In this frantic and pressure-filled world, what role could simple kindness play? A big one! Relationship experts Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott talk a lot about kindness as they help people understand how to build strong and lasting relationships.

Never underestimate the impact of one kind word.

One of the Bible verses I was taught early in life was from Paul’s letter of instructions to his Christian friends in Ephesus.

And be ye kind one to another…

I’m sure my mother quoted that to me and my siblings when we were being anything but kind. It had a lasting impression on me. Today, reading the whole verse helps explain why we should show kindness to others.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32 KJV

My experience over the years has convinced me of the overwhelming value of this verse and the practice of a kind word aptly spoken. I have learned that it costs nothing on my part to show such kindness to others.

The Parrotts have also said consistency is valuable in building strong relationships.

“The solid commitment between faithful friends is established by thousands of seemingly insignificant commitments over the long haul.”

Paul pointed out to the Colossians that kindness was among the traits that would mark them as God’s special people.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12 NLT

By the way, being kind is not the way of our world today. In the corporate world, in school, and even in families, most people don’t rank “kindness” as something to be desired in their lives. Some think it almost equates to “weakness.” Not so.

It begins with a heart that recognizes the gracious kindness the Lord has shown us, and it spills over to those around us. Someone has said, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”

The eighteenth century American Quaker missionary Stephen Grellet urged us not to miss an opportunity to show kindness to others.

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Someone around you may need a kind word right now. Don’t miss the opportunity to do something powerful and godly in their life.

God’s best,