Biblical Answer

The best way to show kindness to those around us without expecting anything in return is to cultivate a heart of humility and a willingness to serve others. This means being willing to put on a friendly manner and behave as if we are nicer people than we actually are, even when we are not feeling particularly friendly. As Jesus said, "When you give to one of these little ones who is poor or hungry or naked or a stranger, you are giving to me" (Matthew 25:40). This is not just about putting on a show, but about being genuinely interested in the well-being of others and being willing to serve them in practical ways.

One way to cultivate this kind of heart is to focus on the character of God and His kindness towards us. As the Bible says, "God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35). This means that God shows kindness to us even when we don't deserve it, and He expects us to do the same to others. We can also learn about kindness by looking at the example of Jesus, who showed kindness to those who were considered outcasts and sinners by society. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and showed compassion to those who were rejected by others. As His followers, we are called to imitate His example and show kindness to those around us, even when it's hard.

Ultimately, the key to showing kindness without expecting anything in return is to understand that our actions are not motivated by a desire for reward or recognition, but by a desire to please God and reflect His character. As the Bible says, "Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:12-13). This kind of love is not based on what we get in return, but on our desire to serve and please God. When we approach kindness in this way, we can truly show kindness to others without expecting anything in return. We can do this by being willing to serve others, by showing compassion and empathy towards those who are struggling, and by being genuinely interested in the well-being of those around us. By doing so, we reflect the character of God and bring glory to Him.