The Opposite of Kindness

Many of us have been privy to a conversation where a child insulted someone and was scolded, “Now Johnny, that was not very kind…”

And, of course, if someone does something mean, we would call that action unkind.

But are inconsiderate, mischievous, and hateful actions and words the only ways of being unkind?

What is the opposite of kindness?

Many will say that the opposite of kindness is unkindness. But what about withholding kindness? You see someone in front of you who needs you to show them kindness, and you make excuses and walk away.

“Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,’
When you have it with you.”  Proverbs 3:28

Did we not see that same sort of mentality in the story of the Good Samaritan? The injured man’s own countrymen passed by on the other side of the road instead of helping him.

Was that kindness? Or was it the opposite of kindness?

They did not say or do anything unkind, but neither did they do or say anything kind. So, is that not the opposite of kindness?

I believe it is.

Jesus calls us to love one another, and love is kind, and love is active.

“Love is patient; love is kind.”  1 Corinthians 13:4

So, failing to be kind is failing to love.

When we see someone in need of help, in need of kindness, and we have the ability to give it and show it but do not, then we are being unkind and disobeying the command of Christ to love one another.

Let’s go and show kindness today!

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