Biblical Answer

Showing Kindness Without Expecting Anything in Return

Showing kindness to those around us without expecting anything in return is a vital aspect of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings. As the Bible says, "Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart" (Proverbs 4:23). This means that we should make a conscious effort to cultivate kindness and truth in our lives, not just for the sake of others, but for our own sake as well. When we choose to be kind, we are not only showing love and compassion to those around us, but we are also cultivating a sense of humility and meekness within ourselves.

However, there are times when we may not feel like being kind, whether it's because someone has wronged us or because we're feeling stressed and overwhelmed. In such cases, we can choose to "put on a friendly manner" (Proverbs 4:23) and behave as if we were a nicer person than we actually are. This can be a difficult task, but it's one that requires us to be intentional and deliberate in our actions. As Jesus says, "When you give to one of these little ones who is my family, you are giving to me" (Matthew 25:40). This means that our kindness and generosity are not just about benefiting others, but about reflecting the character of God Himself.

Ultimately, showing kindness without expecting anything in return is a choice that we make every day. It's a choice to put others before ourselves, to prioritize their needs and well-being over our own. As the Bible says, "Love each other as I have loved you" (John 15:12). This means that we should strive to show kindness and compassion to those around us, not just because it feels good or because it's expected of us, but because it reflects the character of God and brings glory to Him. By choosing to be kind and generous, we are not only showing love and compassion to others, but we are also cultivating a deeper relationship with God and living out our faith in a way that is authentic and meaningful.