Being Kind, Not Just Nice

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” — Romans 12:9

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” — Galatians 5:22

The Difference Between Nice and Kind

In today’s culture, many people settle for being “nice.” Niceness often means politeness, avoiding conflict, and saying what others want to hear. But nice is surface-level. It doesn’t always save, correct, or transform.

Kindness, however, is rooted in truth and love. Kindness is powerful. It is the Spirit at work in us, guiding our words and actions to reflect the heart of Christ. Jesus was not always “nice.” He overturned tables in the temple (Matthew 21:12–13), confronted hypocrisy in the Pharisees (Matthew 23), and told the rich young ruler hard truths (Mark 10:21–22). Yet in each act, He was kind, because His purpose was to bring people closer to God.

Kindness Saves Souls

Being kind doesn’t always feel comfortable. Sometimes kindness is a warning, a rebuke, or a call to repentance. Sometimes kindness is walking alongside someone in their darkest hour when others would turn away. True kindness speaks the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), even when it costs us.

Niceness may win popularity, but kindness wins souls. Kindness heals wounds, lifts burdens, and points to the cross. It is kindness that leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4), not empty compliments or shallow pleasantries.

A Creative Call for the Church

As the people of Jonahville, we are called not just to smile and wave, but to embody the Spirit of Christ in tangible, Spirit-filled ways:

• Kindness in Action → feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, visiting the imprisoned (Matthew 25:35–36).

• Kindness in Words → encouraging the broken, praying for enemies, speaking truth even when it stings.

• Kindness in Spirit → creating an atmosphere where grace is abundant, and love is the language.

The world doesn’t need more “nice” people. It needs a church filled with kind, Spirit-led believers who will speak truth, live boldly, and extend the saving love of Jesus.

Final Word

Being nice may make others comfortable, but being kind may save their soul. Let us choose kindness, Spirit-filled, truth-telling, soul-saving kindness, so that Jonahville may be a beacon of light in this world.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32