Saying we love is one thing but showing it is quite another. You may have heard, “If you love me, I would know it by your actions.” Love calls for action. It demands evidence. One recognizable way of putting love into action is through kindness. Kindness is an active expression of love. It is demonstrated by doing something good. Kindness reaches out first. It takes the initiative in being considerate or helpful.
Giving is the hallmark of kindness. Kindness is…generosity in giving and sharing of oneself to benefit someone or something. It is freely and willingly devoting one’s time and attention to another. It is showing that you understand and want to listen and be supportive. There is something about kindness that makes a person feel good. Kindness arouses all kinds of pleasant emotions. It is tender-hearted and makes people feel loved and cared for. Its warmth comforts and envelops the soul.
Kindness communicates love. You experience it whenever…
Real love pours itself out upon the object of its affection, without demanding any return.” ~Florence Scovel Shinn
People often seem to be more concerned with what they can get rather than what they can give.
Someone cares enough to help you.
Someone puts your needs above their own.
You are given favor without asking.
You are the recipient of a warm and friendly smile.
You are given someone’s undivided attention.
You feel understood and cared for.
Someone is sensitive and considerate of your feelings.
Without kindness people would be more concerned with what they can get rather than what they can give. They would think primarily of their own interests and put them above others. However, where there is kindness acts of love abound. People do amazing things as they give freely and generously. Their kindness begets more kindness and keeps love alive in their lives. You, too, can keep love alive in your life with even the smallest acts of kindness.
Would I describe myself as a kind person? Why or why not?
When I give is it done freely and generously? Explain.
Do I usually take the first step in being kind or do I wait for someone else to take the initiative?
In what ways do I usually express kindness toward others?
Am I sensitive to the needs of others? How do I show it?
How can my acts of kindness show someone I love them?
Is there someone to whom I can show kindness in order to communicate my love for them? If so, what might I do?
