Gò0dNews on Family
Raising Kind Children Matters
K
by Danny Hesterly
indness makes all the difference. Our world needs
than ourselves, to join in the wonderful story of God. This
more compassion and kindness, especially from
opportunity is for everyone in the world because He is kind.
those who follow the Jesus Way. The New Testament
What we do and what we say go hand in hand. The
is full of moments where Jesus was moved with compassion,
only way to make this world a better place is to be kind and
and out of that compassion, He extended kindness to the
compassionate the way Jesus was: the way the Bible shows
hurting, broken, and marginalized. We see that Jesus never
us how to be. Just read the Gospel of John chapter 4. As
said an unkind word to them, ignored them, or pretended
you read, pay close attention to Jesus’ interaction with the
their situation was blown out of proportion. In fact, Jesus
Samaritan woman. Take a moment and look up the cultural
went against social norms and cultural trends when it came
implications of this conversation. Jesus’ kindness brought
to ministering and caring for the needs of people.
about spiritual change not just in her life but also in her entire village! Jesus was kind. Through His example, we can make this world a better place, a kinder place. Take today and challenge your children to be kind to every person they come in contact with. Be intentional with what you say and what you do. Create a “kindness chart” at home or keep a daily note on your phone to write down the ways you showed kindness. Then, at the end of the week, sit down as a family and share how each person showed kindness that week. It’s really all about being intentional:
Parents play a HUGE role in helping their children
creating daily habits plus reminders in both saying kind
understand what kindness is and how to be kind to others.
words and showing kindness to each other. You’re not going
For me, the best way my kiddos learn what it means to be
to get it perfect every time, and that’s okay. You, I, and your
kind is to look at the life of Jesus.
children are all in the process of becoming more like Jesus.
to children. He was kind to tax collectors. He never cursed the soldiers who nailed Him to the cross. Jesus is kind to us. He gives us the opportunity to live for something more
32 // September 2020
Jesus was kind. If we want to be like Jesus, we must choose to be kind. About The Author
Jesus was kind. He was kind to women. He was kind
Danny Hesterly is the executive pastor at City Church Chattanooga. He’s married to his lovely bride, Erin and together they have two wonderful kiddos: Micah and Ava.
