“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (BSB)
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” — Colossians 3:12 (BSB)
“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy…” — Titus 3:4–5 (BSB)
To be kind is to reflect the heart of God. It involves listening, helping, speaking gently, forgiving quickly, and giving generously. Kindness often shows itself in small, unseen acts—welcoming the outsider, comforting the suffering, or bearing with someone’s weakness. It is the character of Christ being formed in us by the Holy Spirit.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Kindness is not sentimental—it is sacrificial. It costs time, attention, and sometimes comfort. But it reveals the Gospel more clearly than a thousand sermons.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “Kindness is the quiet strength of Christian virtue. In an age of hardness, it softens hearts and opens doors to the Gospel.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer emphasizes kindness in its prayers of intercession, especially those for “all who are desolate and oppressed” and for a spirit of charity and mutual forgiveness. In the Litany, we ask, “That it may please thee to defend the fatherless and the widow, and to show thy pity upon all prisoners and captives.”
J.C. Ryle wrote, “A little genuine kindness does more good than much harsh reproof. We must be firm in truth, but our firmness must be seasoned with gentleness. The Gospel is best adorned by kindness.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Kindness is Christ’s compassion put into action. It’s how we show the world what God is like—patient, generous, and full of grace.”
Kindness glorifies Christ because it shows His love in tangible ways, builds up the Church, and draws others toward the mercy of God.
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Nothing is so strong as kindness. It conquers where force fails. It wins where words fall short.” — Homily on Romans, 32
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Let kindness be in your eyes, in your hands, and in your speech. Let it be the habit of your soul and the mark of your faith.” — Homily on Psalm 14
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD): “Kindness is the garment of humility. It puts others first, and in doing so, exalts Christ.” — Pastoral Rule, III.21
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
