Raising Kind Children Matters

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Raising Kind Children Matters

by Danny Hesterly

Kindness makes all the difference. Our world needs more compassion and kindness, especially from those who follow the Jesus Way. The New Testament is full of moments where Jesus was moved with compassion, and out of that compassion, He extended kindness to the hurting, broken, and marginalized. We see that Jesus never said an unkind word to them, ignored them, or pretended their situation was blown out of proportion. In fact, Jesus went against social norms and cultural trends when it came to ministering and caring for the needs of people.

Parents play a HUGE role in helping their children understand what kindness is and how to be kind to others. For me, the best way my kiddos learn what it means to be kind is to look at the life of Jesus.

Jesus was kind. He was kind to women. He was kind 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 than ourselves, to join in the wonderful story of God. This opportunity is for everyone in the world because He is kind.

What we do and what we say go hand in hand. The only way to make this world a better place is to be kind and compassionate the way Jesus was: the way the Bible shows us how to be. Just read the Gospel of John chapter 4. As you read, pay close attention to Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman. Take a moment and look up the cultural implications of this conversation. Jesus’ kindness brought 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: creating daily habits plus reminders in both saying kind words and showing kindness to each other. You’re not going to get it perfect every time, and that’s okay. You, I, and your children are all in the process of becoming more like Jesus. Jesus was kind. If we want to be like Jesus, we must choose to be kind.

About The Author 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.