Biblical Answer

Kindness in a patient-provider relationship has immense value. When we are kind, we leverage our strength on behalf of another, putting our abilities and resources at their disposal. Kindness is a powerful decision that actively pursues the good of the other person, often in their time of weakness. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:4, love is kind, and kindness is a fundamental aspect of loving others.

The benefits of kindness in a patient-provider relationship are numerous. Research has shown that helping others is good for our mental and physical health, and that caring for others can be more beneficial for the carer than for the cared for.20 In the context of a patient-provider relationship, kindness can lead to improved career satisfaction and financial generosity, which in turn has psychological payoffs. Furthermore, kindness can be a means of demonstrating love and compassion, which are essential components of a healthy and thriving relationship.

In a patient-provider relationship, kindness is not just a feeling or an attitude, but a deliberate decision to act in the best interest of the other person. It involves putting the needs of others before our own and being willing to lend a helping hand, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. As Proverbs 19:17 says, "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." In this sense, kindness in a patient-provider relationship is not just a means to an end, but an end in itself, a demonstration of our love and commitment to the other person.