We use the terms “nice” and “kind” interchangeably when describing people. A “nice person” holds the door for others, and so does a “kind person”; both behave in ways that demonstrate consideration for others. So are “nice” and “kind” just synonyms for each other?

Our first hint found is 1 Corinthians 3:14; “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.”

Before we move into the Biblical model of these attributes lets see a definition from  dictionary.com. “Nice” defined as “pleasing; agreeable; delightful,” while “kind” defined as “having, showing, or proceeding from goodness toward others.”

When “nice” is used as a compliment, with both “nice” and “kind” carrying positive implications, “kindness” demonstrates a moral, ethical, goodness involved towards objects of affection.

I believe being “kind” is supernatural. Galatians 5:22 “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

When we love those who don’t deserve it and don’t love us in return. That my friend is supernatural, and that is kindness. When we understand Love is doing what’s best for a person; doing what is good as understood by God’s moral character. This is always characterized by a willing forfeiture of rights or privileges on behalf of another person. That is kindness! So we see “kindness as an outflow of God’s love. Because of this kindness it reaches into the heart of those we are “kind” to, demonstrating the Love of God.

The Greek word for “kindness” in Galatians 5:22 is chrestotes meaning; “the quality of being warmhearted, considerate, humane, gentle, and sympathetic.”

This is going way beyond any human niceness, it’s the ability to live in compassion, a supernatural ability to model Jesus to those whom we have kindness on.

The result of this would be having compassion, thoughtfulness towards others, a selflessness that creates the attribute of humility.

Kindness is a good thermometer to evaluate our level of humility, Christ-likeness.