Love is Kind: Choosing Grace in Every Moment

Shayla R. Captville-Payne
Feb 7
3 min read

“Love is patient, love is kind…” – 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Kindness in Small Things

I once heard someone say, “Kindness is love in action.” It stuck with me because kindness isn’t just a nice thought or a warm feeling—it’s something we do. It’s how we treat people, even when they don’t deserve it. It’s the gentle word when frustration rises, the helping hand when no one is watching, the choice to extend grace instead of judgment.

But let’s be honest, kindness doesn’t always come easily.

I remember a time when I was in a hurry at the grocery store, rushing to get through my list and move on with my day. Just as I got to the checkout, the woman in front of me pulled out a box of coupons. Not just a few—she had a whole system going, flipping through pages, checking expiration dates, and making sure everything added up. I felt my patience slipping. My mind raced: Of all the lines I could have picked, I chose this one?

But then, something shifted. As I stood there, I noticed the weariness on her face. Maybe she was going through financial difficulties. Maybe she only had a limited amount of money and was trying to stretch every dollar to feed her family. Suddenly, my frustration seemed small, and my hurry seemed insignificant. Instead of sighing and tapping my foot, I took a deep breath and smiled.

That moment reminded me that kindness isn't just about the big gestures—it's about how we respond in the small, everyday inconveniences.

The Power of Kindness

Paul reminds us in I Corinthians 13 that love is kind—not just when it's easy, but always. Kindness isn't weakness; it's strength under control. It has the power to heal, restore, and change hearts in ways we may never realize.

Kindness Reflects God's Love - God's kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). His love is gentle and gracious, even when we don't deserve it.

Kindness Can Change Someone's Day - A simple act of kindness—a smile, a kind word, or a small act of service—can make a bigger impact than we think.

Kindness is a Choice, Not a Feeling - We don't have to feel like being kind to choose it. It's a decision to reflect God's love, no matter the circumstances.

How to Walk in Kindness Daily

Pause Before Reacting: Instead of responding in frustration, take a breath and choose grace.
Look for Small Ways to Show Kindness: A kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present for someone can go a long way.
Remember How God Has Been Kind to You: When we think about how much grace we've received, it becomes easier to extend it to others.

Reflection Question

How can I be intentional about showing kindness today, even when it's inconvenient?

Prayer: Lord, help me to love with kindness. Teach me to reflect Your grace in my words, actions, and attitude. When I feel impatient or frustrated, remind me of Your kindness toward me so that I can extend that same love to others. Let my kindness be more than just words—let it be love in action. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Kindness is love made visible. Let's choose to walk in it today!

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