A devotional on kindness begins with who you are. Colossians 3:12 (ESV) calls believers God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, and tells us to put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Kindness is not a personality type. It is clothing God gives his children to wear every day.
Key Verse
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” (Colossians 3:12, ESV)
Chosen, Holy, and Beloved
Before Paul tells us what to do, he reminds us who we are. We are chosen by God, set apart as holy, and dearly loved. That order matters. We do not become beloved by being kind. We become kind because we are beloved. Kindness flows from security in God’s love, not from a desire to win approval.
When you feel empty or irritable, start here. Remember how God sees you in Christ. His kindness toward you is the soil where your kindness grows.
Getting Dressed Each Morning
Paul uses the picture of putting on clothes. Each day we choose what we wear. In the same way, we can intentionally clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These do not always come naturally, especially when we are tired or hurt. But by the Spirit’s help, we can choose them.
Kindness is practical. It shows up in tone of voice, patience in traffic, a thoughtful text, a meal for a struggling family, or a gentle answer when someone is short with us.
Kindness in a Harsh World
Our culture often rewards sharpness and sarcasm, especially online. Kindness can feel weak by comparison. But kindness reflects the heart of God, who is kind even to the ungrateful. It disarms anger, opens doors for the gospel, and makes the love of Jesus visible.
Kindness does not mean having no boundaries. You can be kind and still say no, still speak truth, and still protect yourself from harm. Kindness and wisdom walk together.
Start with the people closest to you. It is often easiest to be kind to strangers and hardest to be kind at home. Ask God to help you show the people you live and work with the same patience he shows you.
Today, Try This
Before you leave home today, pray Colossians 3:12 over yourself, and then look for one person who needs an unexpected kindness.
Reflection Question
Who in your life is hardest for you to be kind to, and what would putting on kindness toward them look like?
Prayer
Father, thank you that I am chosen, holy, and beloved in Christ. Clothe me today with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Help me reflect your kindness to everyone I meet, especially those who are hard to love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Colossians 3:12 mean?
Colossians 3:12 (ESV) reminds believers that they are God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people, and it calls them to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience like clothing, choosing Christlike character daily.
Why is kindness important to God?
Kindness reflects God’s own character. Scripture describes him as kind and merciful, even to the ungrateful. When believers show kindness, they make God’s love visible and point others toward Jesus.
How can I be kind when I don’t feel like it?
Remember God’s kindness toward you, ask the Holy Spirit for help, and choose kind actions even before feelings follow. Kindness is a decision and a habit. Rest and healthy boundaries also help when you feel drained.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Bible verses about love
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: our devotional: Blessed Are the Meek Devotional
- Related: Forgiving Others Devotional
- Related: Devotional on Love