‘Try a Little Kindness’ is a song written by Curt Sapaugh and Bobby Austin, first recorded by American country music singer Glen Campbell. The song was a hit on the country charts, went to number one for one week on the Hot Adult Contemporary Chart, and peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

‘Try a Little Kindness’ is the first secular song I have come across that ticks my ‘theologically sound’ sacred box…the lyrics are pure spiritual gold! Campbell sings…

If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he’s sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way
Just stop and say, you’re going the wrong way

You got to try a little kindness
yes, show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
They you’ll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

Don’t walk around the down and out
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way

You got to show a Little kindness
Yes, show a Little kindness
Just shine your Light for everyone to see
And if you try a Little kindness
Then you’ll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets (repeat)

Friends, it is my belief that the Church today is performing poorly in its divine commission of influencing the world’s ‘spiritually unsaved’ to want to belong to the Family of God (Matt. 28:18-20). One reason for this is our failure to ‘re-present’ our God, conscientiously living a life that looks-out to show a little kindness to those we encounter in life… whether needy or not. God has obligated us to proactively love ‘one another’ in the home, in the church, and in our pagan community (Rom. 13:8).

What does kindness look like? Kindness is being selfless, caring, compassionate, and unconditionally kind. Like love, it takes practice to understand and know it. We share love with others through kind acts such as a smile, a nice word, an unexpected deed, or a planned surprise. I have an outstanding ‘kindness’ testimony to share with you…

My brother Amine visited us at the Gold Coast some years ago from his home in Sydney, 900 kms away. While with us, he noticed blue smoke discharging from the engine exhaust of my car. Without hesitation, he offered to take my vehicle back to Sydney to overhaul the engine. Amine was a ‘top-shelf,’ self-employed motor mechanic. Having accepted his kind offer I set aside what I thought would be enough money to pay for parts used in the overhaul. I was grateful for his kind offer.

After a short time, I received word from him that the vehicle was ready. I travelled to Sydney by public transport and when I arrived at his home, I was shocked to find that my brother had gone beyond what I understood he would do. Four new tyres had been fitted to the vehicle, and the cracked windscreen had been replaced! Nice… super nice work, BUT I did not have the money to cover the unexpected extras… I now owed him! That is not the end of the story–when it was time for me to return home, he handed the keys of the car to me AND refused the money I had for him.  Then with considerable firmness, he placed in my hand $1,500 cash!  While still in a state of shock, he said, “You and Beryl are in full-time service for God and I wanted to encourage you both in some way.” My brother had showed me a facet of God’s character–he showed me kindness… a kindness that was marinated in self-sacrifice.

Friends, whatever your present situation, may the following selection of Scripture inspire and motivate you to acts of kindness towards those you encounter in life (your spouse and family first):

Kindness – a characteristic of the ‘fruit’ of the Holy Spirit: Paul said, “… the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Right now, ask the Holy Spirit to produce an abundance of God’s kindness in you for those whom you love.

The ‘source’ of kindness: The Lord is “filled with kindness”(Ps. 145:17).

‘Model’ kindness: “Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another” (Zec. 7:9). It is best to show kindness than say kind things.

‘Trust’ in God’s kindness: “Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in His kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off” (Rom. 11:22).

‘Integrity’ through kindness: “We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love” (2 Cor. 6:6).

‘Unlimited’ kindness: “He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding” (Eph. 1:7-8).

‘Benevolent’ kindness: “In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus” (1 Pet. 5:10).

Friends, our world is in urgent need of many things, with kindness at the top of the list. Following the supreme example of our Lord, our lives offered to Him as conduits permits an endless flow of kindness issuing from His heart… satisfying recipients with His generous love. Yes, a ‘little’ kindness can make a BIG difference!

Bill