Kindness is a sincere desire for the happiness of others; goodness is the activity calculated to advance that happiness. Kindness is the inner disposition, created by the Holy Spirit, that causes us to be sensitive to the needs of others, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Goodness is kindness in action – words and deeds. Because of this close relationship, we often use the two words interchangeably.
The Practice of Godliness, NavPress, 1996, p. 189. Used by permission of NavPress – www.navpress.com, All rights reserved. Get this book!
We need to develop a kind disposition, to be sensitive to others and truly desire their happiness. But sensitivity alone is not enough: the grace of goodness impels us to take action to meet those needs.
The Practice of Godliness, NavPress, 1996, p. 191. Used by permission of NavPress – www.navpress.com, All rights reserved. Get this book!
Kindness makes a person attractive. If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it.
Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful. Kind words also produce their image on men’s souls; and a beautiful image it is. They smooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer.
No matter what good truths you have to teach, no one will thank you if you do not speak kindly.
Kindness is a readiness to do good, to help, to relieve burdens, to be useful, to serve, to be tender, and to be sympathetic to others. It has been said, “Kindness is love in work clothes.”
Leading With Love, Lewis and Roth, 2006, p. 44, Used by Permission. Get this book!
