Imagine a world transformed by the secret power of kindness. Dive into the heart of the matter and explore why Christians should tap into that secret place where kindness, love and peace dwell. Uncover the obstacles that hinder us from being the kindest versions of ourselves. Learn how simple acts of kindness can shatter barriers, heal wounds, and create a ripple effect of love. Greg Atkinson shares about the incredible change that can happen when we unlock the secret power of kindness.
I recently had the opportunity to chat with Greg on Your Hope-Filled Perspective podcast about making the world a better place with 10 keys to kindness. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to listen to our conversation.
Be sure to read to the end for a book giveaway!
The Secret Power of Kindness
By Greg Atkinson
Imagine a world where everyone is kind to one another. Don’t we all agree that the world needs more kindness? Not only does the world need more kindness but it would be a better place if we each displayed kindness in our daily lives.
Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit
As Christians, we believe that kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit that flows out of us naturally when we are abiding in Christ. The more time you spend with Jesus, the kinder you will be. But kindness is also a choice that comes out of a soul at peace with itself, a soul that feels free.
Whereas we would imagine that Christians should be the kindest people on earth, given our faith in Christ’s promise and our commitment to his way of life, most of us know that this is not the case. In fact, sometimes it seems that we struggle more than others to show kindness, especially when our most beloved traditions or opinions are at stake.
But why? What prevents us from behaving kindly toward others? Why is it so hard for us to exude the simple acts of kindness that bind all of us closer as fellow human beings?
As humans, Christians too, sometimes our hearts can get locked into places of pain and fear caused by our experiences with the world, misunderstandings about God, or our own unreasonable expectations of ourselves. Once we become enmeshed in misconceptions, anger, pain, or perfectionism, it can become tough to see ourselves kindly, let alone emit kindness to the world. This can be the case even for the most ardent of Christians.
Practicing the secret power of kindness
We live in a complicated world. People today face a myriad of problems. Yet, we know that kindness can be the powerful force we need to make positive change in our world, to unlock anger and bitterness, heal divisions, forge relationships, and foster respect. Think about it. Simply choosing to be kind to someone could be the healing balm that he or she needs that day.
Have you ever smiled at a waiter or a cashier who looked beyond stressed or simply blue, and then saw them suddenly light up? Kindness is a secret weapon. It disarms people and breaks down their defensive walls. Kindness unlocks kindness. Complimenting people, commending people, affirming people, and thanking people can make all the difference in their day, their attitude, and in their life and yours.
Kindness changes the way we look at people. To cultivate kindness within ourselves not only helps us to be kind to others but gives us a fresher, easier perspective on life, one that is filled with grace, love, and hope. You never know the impact you may have on an individual simply by practicing the power of kindness.
I have long lamented the plight of all those who have suffered traumas or who have felt wounded by illness, poverty, anxiety, other people, or even by the church itself, and who have become locked into places of inaccessibility in their hearts and souls.
Unlocking change through kindness
Sometimes, we can be hindered simply by our inability to see past untrue things we’ve been taught about God. Sometimes, we may succumb to the false limitations of rigid dogma, traditions, rituals, or rules that have governed our churches and inhibited us from emotional and spiritual growth. Sometimes, we may suffer from the idea that to be a member of a church requires a level of inhuman perfectionism that we continually fail to meet. Or perhaps we are simply our own inner critics, unaccepting of our imperfections, critical of our mistakes, angry with those who disagree with us, and prone to protect and control our turf. All of these become fences that require unlocking if we want to become the kind and loving people we hope to be.
The truth is, with God’s help, we hold the keys to unlock the kind of change we want to see in the world as Christians, in ourselves and in others. We have the power within us to be extraordinarily kind, to be the people of God we were meant to be, to demonstrate over-the-top kindness that goes the extra mile, to start a “kindness movement” that spreads and multiples. But first, we must learn to tap into that “secret” place within us where kindness, love, and peace dwell.
Remarkable change can happen when you realize that you’re loved just as you are and learn about unlocking the “secret power” of kindness.
In what ways do you show or have you been shown kindness? We’d love to hear in the comments below.
About Greg Atkinson
Greg Atkinson is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and international speaker with 30 years of organizational leadership experience. He has written for over a million readers and has spoken in over 100 countries. His newest book, “The Secret Power of Kindness,” is available now at gregatkinson.com.
Connect with Greg: Website / Linktree / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook
Book Giveaway
In conjunction with this post and the podcast interview, Greg is giving away a free copy of his book, The Secret Power of Kindness: 10 Keys to Unlocking Your Capacity to Change the World.
Leave a comment below sharing with us one thing you learned about the secret power of kindness and you will be entered into the contest for your chance to win a copy of his book.
You could also share this blog post on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter then comment here to tell us where you shared it and you’ll also be entered into the drawing.
The winner will be selected at random and announced next Monday, November 27, 2023. Continental United States only.
What I have learned about the secret power of kindness is how much it helps me see the day no matter what happens as being half full rather than half empty. We have seen and known people who were unkind to others especially servers or helpers in restaurants or in any form of business. So as a young couple who loved Jesus we began to smile, greet and take a personal interest in those who were attending to us. We will ask their name and thank them for serving us today. We will tell them how much they are appreciated and that Jesus loves them. We did this as a couple and ministry for years and now as my hubby has gone to Jesus, I will continue this labor of love and kindness everywhere I do. I know the joy of seeing the people’s face light up and realize that someone truly appreciates them. I loved both the podcasts with Greg and all that he shared. I would love to read his book. Thanks Dr. Michelle for covering this topic. Kindness is a Fruit of the Spirit and should be practiced by all Christians.
In my older years I am still learning how to be kind even when the world around me is not. I like being kind and smiling at those who are not smiling for whatever reason. I like random acts of kindness when the recipient is least expecting it. Turning that frown upside down!
Because everyday is a good day to have a good day!
Kindness can change a person’s life
I learned kindness is catching and has a life all its own when released.