Kindness is Contagious — and Rewarding!
- Heather Edmund
- Mar 28, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 17
A kind word gesture can soften the hardest heart.
Providing a kind word, showing compassion, or offering words of encouragement can deeply affect someone's life.
Scripture reminds us that love shows up in many different ways. In 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, we’re given a powerful description of love and kindness is one of its core expressions.
Kindness is deeply rewarding
Our purpose in life isn't just to care for ourselves, but to also uplift and support others. When you go out of your way to help someone, there's a unique joy that comes from knowing you’ve made a difference in their life.
In fact, research backs this up. Studies have shown that acts of kindness — whether through giving gifts or small gestures — boost the giver’s happiness. Brain scans revealed that when kindness is done willingly, the parts of the brain linked to pleasure become more active. In other words, being kind doesn’t just help others — it blesses you too.
Kindness may seem like a small act, but it has the power to reshape how others see you — and how they see themselves.
Kindness bridges the gap between people. It draws us closer, building connection and trust. Through that connection, we begin to see the value and dignity in one another. And from that place, relationships grow stronger and deeper.
Kindness is the doorway to love. And where love is present, there's no room for animosity, hatred, or hostility. True love drives those things out.
Now, take a moment. Close your eyes and imagine a world overflowing with kindness. Would there be hunger? No — because everyone would make sure their neighbor is fed. Would there be violence? No — because everyone would think of others before they acted.
It would be a world marked by love, peace, joy, and goodness — a world that reflects the very heart of our Creator.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
What Is Kindness?
Kindness is the gentle strength of being merciful and considerate. It isn’t harsh or dismissive—it recognizes our shared humanity. When you're kind, you see others as equals, as people just like you—and you genuinely care for them.
Kindness shows up when we notice someone in need and step in to help. It’s choosing to place someone else’s needs above our own, simply to do good. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, sharing resources, or lending a hand, kindness is action rooted in compassion.
When kindness becomes part of who you are, it brings real joy. You begin to find pleasure in helping others—not for recognition, but because it feels right.
And the beauty of kindness? It’s free. Yet it carries the power to uplift someone’s entire day, or even change their life.
Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 5:42: “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Kindness may cost us little, but its impact is priceless.
Power in Kindness
“We are living in a ‘me first’ type of society. For many of us, we are taught from the cradle to ‘look out for number one!’ and many of us do just that. We are self-focused and self-possessed... How often do we act without considering the effect of our actions on those around us?”— Becki Rizzuto
We live in a world where self-interest often comes first. In a culture that encourages us to prioritize ourselves above all else, kindness can feel like a forgotten virtue. But unkindness has consequences. It creates distance, promotes selfish ambitions, and disconnects us from the people and world around us.
When we focus only on ourselves, it becomes nearly impossible to be a blessing to others. But when we choose kindness — when we intentionally care, give, serve, and show compassion — we leave a lasting impact. We give people hope in a world that often feels cold, inconsiderate, and harsh.
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”— Mark Twain
The Ministry of Being There
An author recounts a situation where a woman encountered a homeless man asking for money on a cold winter night. As the man shared his hardships, including the theft of his coat at the shelter, the woman searched for change in her pockets. Despite her initial intention to offer money, the woman realized that the homeless man valued her willingness to listen to his story more than the fifty cents she eventually gave him. The author referred to this compassionate act as "the ministry of being there."
Kindness is a reflection of God’s nature. It flows out of His love. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
God’s kindness toward us isn’t just reactive — it’s proactive. He shows us favor, extends mercy, and blesses us even when we don’t deserve it. His kindness lifts, restores, and transforms.
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”— Proverbs 12:25
Kindness Is Contagious
Like laughter or yawning, kindness is contagious. It spreads in three powerful ways:
Emotional Elevation – When someone is kind to us, we feel inspired and energized. We’re lifted emotionally, which encourages us to pass that kindness on to others.
Relief and Gratitude – Depending upon the situation we might also feel relieved when someone helps us, especially if the situation we are in is stressful. Receiving and giving kindness reduces stress or worry as we feel a surge of relief. When stress goes away and is replaced with a feeling of relief, we are more likely to act on opportunities to help others.
Social Contagion – When we witness someone doing something kind, it awakens something in us. We’re moved to do the same. One act can set off a chain reaction.
Making Kindness a Lifestyle
Kindness isn’t just about random acts — it can become a way of life. When you choose kindness regularly, it turns into a habit. Over time, that habit becomes part of your character.
And it’s not just about actions — kindness includes your words. Words build up or tear down. Scripture says:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up... that it may give grace to those who hear.”— Ephesians 4:29
A kind word can change someone’s day — or life. It plants seeds of confidence, courage, and joy.
The Golden Rule Still Stands
We’ve heard it all our lives: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”When you’re kind to others, you’ll often see kindness come back to you — not just toward you, but to your loved ones as well.
One small act of kindness can ripple across someone’s life and into the world. So ask yourself: When was the last time someone was kind to you? How did it make you feel?
Now, go be that for someone else. That’s the power in kindness.
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