What to Do When Kindness Feels Impossible
What does it actually mean to be kind?
Our culture talks constantly about kindness, but biblical kindness is more than being nice, agreeable, or polite. It reflects the character of God himself—and according to Galatians 5, it is something the Holy Spirit produces in us.
In this episode of Everyday Radical, David Platt and Austin Huang continue their series on the fruit of the Spirit by exploring what Scripture teaches about kindness. They look at the kindness God has shown us in Christ and why experiencing his kindness should transform the way we treat others.
David and Austin also get practical about the things that work against kindness in our lives. Envy and jealousy can keep us from celebrating what God is doing through others. Pride can make our acts of kindness more about ourselves than God’s glory. And frustration with people who offend or hurt us can reveal just how much we need the Holy Spirit to produce supernatural kindness in us.
Ultimately, biblical kindness cannot be manufactured through willpower. As we meditate on God’s kindness toward us and walk closely with him, the gospel takes root in our hearts and produces spiritual fruit that changes our relationships and reflects the character of Christ to the world.
Key Questions Discussed
- What makes biblical kindness different from simply being nice?
- How does God’s kindness toward us shape the way we treat others?
- How do pride, jealousy, and envy work against genuine kindness?
- How can we show kindness even to people who offend or hurt us?
In This Episode
- Why God’s kindness, rather than culture, defines what it means to be kind
- How envy and jealousy can keep us from celebrating others
- Why supernatural kindness should ultimately point to Jesus, not ourselves
- How remembering the gospel produces greater kindness toward others
How to Respond
- Examine where pride, jealousy, or envy may be keeping you from showing kindness to others.
- When someone frustrates or hurts you, pause and remember the kindness God has shown you in Christ.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to produce a supernatural kindness in you that you cannot manufacture on your own.
- Look for simple opportunities today to reflect God’s kindness through your words and actions.
Everyday Radical—honest conversations about following Jesus with courage, clarity, and compassion in everyday life. New episodes every Tuesday.
