What can we do to make the world a better place? Perhaps it’s as simple as just being kind. That’s the premise behind “Be Kind to Humankind Week” celebrated August 25-31.
Kindness can be a smile, being friendly, sharing generously, being considerate. It can be treating others with gentleness or showing concern and care.
Not only can kindness help others, but it can benefit the one who shows kindness by increasing self-esteem, compassion, and elevating mood. It could even control blood pressure and stress levels, leading to healthier lives.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (NKJV). Or put another way, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
How can you encourage kindness in your home? First, by modeling it. Are you patient with your child, your elderly parent, your spouse, the drivers on your commute? Do you speak kindly?
Secondly, by encouraging your children to join you in kindness. Perhaps that’s baking cookies and sharing them with neighbors. Maybe you can all weed an elderly person’s flower beds.
You might try an “August Angel” week where your children look for ways they can be kind in the home: helping dad carry in groceries, helping mom set the table, helping siblings make their beds or pick up toys.
We can show kindness by forgiving those who hurt us. God has shown us kindness in that way. How can we do less for a fellow human?
We all need love, and “love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13: 4).
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