Kindness is the Way to Happiness

Richard Thetford

I'm sure you've seen the bumper stickers and signs that say, "Don't tell me what kind of day to have!" Anybody with that kind of attitude probably won't have a good day. Nevertheless, if we truly want to have a good day, a day filled with joy and happiness, let us try kindness.

I know that being kind is not the habit of many people today, and unfortunately our society sometimes looks with contempt on those who practice kindness. However, we ask, "Who says we must fashion followers rather than style setters?" Just because many people are selfish, critical, unfriendly, and cold doesn't mean we have to be, especially when being like them is what tends to make us unhappy, lonesome, and down in the dumps.

Don't be like the rest of the world! Be like God's Son, Jesus Christ. For three years He went about doing good, and if we want to be pleasing to God, we'll do the same. We're told in Ephesians 4:32, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." If we follow this advice, we'll find that kindness gives birth to kindness.

For us to be kind doesn't mean that we need to have a lot of money, or do great deeds. Anyone can express concern and care for the feelings of others. Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Also, anyone can speak in a kind tone to others. The writer of Proverbs praised the worthy woman by saying, "And in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26).

Consequently, if we desire to be happy and wish to contribute to the happiness of others, let us try kindness. Kindness will work wonders for us as well as others.