“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” — Luke 6:35–36 (BSB)
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:12–13 (BSB)
“Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?” — Romans 2:4 (BSB)
Growth in kindness involves daily choices: to speak gently, to forgive quickly, to listen patiently, and to serve willingly. It is cultivated by prayer, shaped through community, and deepened through hardship. Even when others are difficult or unkind, the Spirit gives me strength to respond in love.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Kindness grows as we practice it. The more we walk in compassion, the more the Spirit conforms us to the heart of Christ—who never turned away the broken or the weary.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “Kindness grows when we stop asking, ‘What do I deserve?’ and start asking, ‘What would Jesus give?’ When grace flows in, kindness flows out.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer nurtures kindness in its confession of sin, its calls to forgive others, and its prayers for mercy and charity. The General Thanksgiving invites us to praise God “for His inestimable love” and to show that love in “our lives, by giving up ourselves to thy service.”
J.C. Ryle wrote, “We must live as forgiven people—quick to forgive, slow to take offense, and ready to bless. The kind Christian is the most Christlike Christian.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “If we want to grow in kindness, we must stay close to Jesus. His presence produces compassion, and His Spirit makes our hearts tender.”
Growing in kindness glorifies Christ because it reflects His mercy, heals division, and makes visible the Gospel of grace.
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Kindness is learned in the school of Christ. Walk with Him, and you will become kind, even to those who do not deserve it.” — Homily on Ephesians, 13
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Do not wait for others to be kind first. Be the first to show kindness, and you will be called a child of God.” — Homily on Psalm 14
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD): “He who serves others with joy grows in the grace of kindness. And he who shows mercy will be shown mercy.” — 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.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
