Be Kind
The Principle of Kindness in Missional Enterprise Leadership
A popular two-word bumper sticker or tee-shirt message reminds us to “Be Kind.” In a world often marked by discontent and unkindness, the call to "Be Kind" resonates deeply. In our ongoing series on the Fruit of the Spirit in missional enterprise, we look today at the characteristic of Kindness. For missional enterprise leaders, kindness is not just a moral imperative; it’s a foundational principle that shapes how we lead, influence, and serve.
God is kind. Romans 2:4 speaks of “the riches of his kindness.”1 All kindness comes from him and, as we seek to obey God’s call to kindness, we must first remember that spiritual fruit is rooted in dependence upon his character as we abide in him. As we’ve reflected upon in an earlier article, the Fruit of the Spirit “is not a reflection of our effort, personality, or gifting. It is entirely a work of God’s Spirit within us.”
Kindness in Action
As we grow in expressing the “riches of his kindness,” what does it look like in our everyday lives and the enterprises we lead? The biblical concept of kindness transcends mere niceness. Here are just a few of the ways the Scriptures describe kindness in action:
Care for Those in Need - Especially in the book of Proverbs, kindness shows up in the way we care for and treat the poor and needy. Proverbs 14:31 states, "whoever is kind to the needy honors God."
Uplifting Words and Actions - When we show kindness, we engage with others in a positive, beneficial, and supportive way. As Proverbs 12:25 tells us, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Forbearance and Forgiveness - God’s great forgiveness of us empowers and motivates us not to pay “back wrong for wrong” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). In kindness, we seek to forgive “each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Integrity in Action: Kindness is sincere and truthful, and words or deeds lacking honesty can be deeply harmful. In Colossians 3:9-12, we see that speaking truthfully to and about others is a key part of the new life of kindness we have put on as “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.”
The Impact of Kindness in Business
While our motivation for displaying kindness is the character of God and our gratitude for his kindness toward us, kindness can also be a strategic business advantage, especially in a missional enterprise. It builds trust, fosters loyalty among employees and customers, and creates a culture of mutual respect. When we embody kindness, it sets a tone for collaboration, innovation, and service that aligns with our mission to reflect Christ in the marketplace.
Verse of the Week:
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV 1984)
Praise you, Father, for the riches of your kindness. By your grace, may our enterprises be known for kindness.
All Bible verses are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.