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!
Yes, there is more than one opposite to kind as you pointed out here. I have to be careful with acts of omission. Sometimes it is not that I am mean, evil, or sinning purposefully. Sometimes it’s the things God has asked me to do that I choose to do otherwise.
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Yes, Brittany. It’s so easy to distract ourselves with excuses that all but drown out what God is trying to say. But I would really hate to do that so many times that my heart-hearing has become dull.
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Great post! It’s so easy to make excuses for why we can’t help others. But maybe God has placed them in our path for a specific purpose. How this scares me to death to get to Heaven and God say, “there were so many opportunities I put in your path and you missed them”. Thanks for this post!!!
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Amen, Crystal! I think you’re right; and then, obeying would achieve the purposes of God. He wants to reward us, but we need to obey Him.
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What a profound thought! Love IS active! 💗
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Thank you, Shae!
Yes, it IS active! So, when we say we love but do not act, hmm.
“But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” 1 John 3:17,18 NASB
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Yes, that’s such a good verse! Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, amen! You’re welcome! 🙂
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Great encouragement Ruth!! I need to be sure I’m not missing opportunities to show kindness:)
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Thank you, Alicia! Yes, we probably all need to be more vigilant about this!
Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
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Really good point 🙂
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Thanks, T.R.! Have a great weekend! 🙂
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