Sample Niceness/Kindness

    Do you know the difference between being nice and being kind? When we look at the fruit of the Spirit (found in Galatians 5:22), we see kindness, not niceness. One can ponder the many reasons why God's Word does not include niceness. We hear it in our culture all the time: "Be nice! Play nice! You're nice!" Nice comes from the Latin word "nescius," which means ignorant. One thing's for sure, God does not want us to be ignorant! As followers of Christ, we are called to be X, Y, and Z. 

    To be nice is to be focused on pleasing others. Sometimes this looks like lying to please others, not speaking up for ourselves or others, only doing giving to others if we receive something in return, or doing something because we believe it is expected of us. To be kind is to speak up for others out of love or showing empathy and compassion. This looks like doing what is right even if you're alone, treating yourself and others well, and holding healthy boundaries. Kindness looks like moving forward with care. 

Being kind is not always easy. Sometimes it means speaking up when your voice shakes.