Kindness Without Strings

There is great power in kindness without strings, the kindness wielded by Jesus Christ. I always forget that! So I’m writing today to remind myself of what I witnessed when I forget it again. The kindness of Christ, devoid of expectation or obligation, can thaw an icy heart and warm a suspicious nature. It’s incredible!

I spoke to a woman on the phone recently who was difficult and quite cold. She calls every couple of months to order a few books and is generally both demanding and impatient, a very painful combination. I’ve spoken to her several times over the last year, and each time I was respectful and polite, but that’s about it. I really didn’t have anything beyond that, and given the icy chill that coated me after every call, it wasn’t a high priority of mine to have more for her.

But when she called yesterday, the Lord’s loving-kindness just bloomed for her. It took me completely by surprise – and her, too! Her icy tone melted within moments. It was shocking how thorough a transformation took place, all in response to His love for her conveyed in a kind tone.

I didn’t make any declarations. I didn’t tell her that God loved her greatly. I didn’t say anything out of the ordinary at all. I just let His kindness soak the rather ho-hum quality of customer service conversation. The response was astonishing and humbling, all at once.

His Kindness Conquers

The world doesn’t need my kindness; it needs His. The Lord loves all of us, but that love is not expressed the same to every one at every time. I spoke to this woman half a dozen times and had nothing to give her beyond a basic respect and blessing. But on the seventh call, Jesus’ loving-kindness rose up and out of me…and she felt it. Then she responded with unexpected warmth and a tentative kindness of her own. It was beautiful.

No one is unreachable by God. No one! However frosty their demeanor, or heavy the snark, or rude their manners, or entitled their approach, or disconnected their heart, Jesus is infinitely greater. I’ve just been reminded of the transformative power of the kindness of Christ. May we all receive the gift of that reminder this week and the bright hope that comes with it! 

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Luke 6:35 NKJV