Kindness has incredible healing effects. One of the biggest ways to show love for others is with kindness.

‘Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.’

Proverbs 15:4

I spent much of my childhood bullied, beat up, and gossiped about. The people around me hated me and I started to believe the things they would say about me. I let their words chain me to a hatred for myself. I would ask God why He made me so ugly, so strange, and so despised. Their words hurt me badly.

Years later, I heard a sermon on 1 Peter that changed how I felt about all those hurtful words.

‘Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. ‘

1 Peter 3:8-17

I didn’t totally understand it yet, but I understood well enough that the hurt I felt for so long could not compare to the love Christ had for me and the healing powers of His kindness toward a broken, sinner like me. Christ loved me even when the world hated me, even though I was broken, even though I was hurting.

Kindness goes a long way and even when we feel no kindness around us we can find hope in the loving kindness of Christ. He is always there ready to help us, support us, love us, and heal us with His kindness and mercy. No matter how broken we feel or how damaged we think we are Jesus love us and is reaching out to heal our wounds and remind us how precious we really are.

Don’t let the world convince you or your worth. Remember that your true value is with Jesus, who sacrificed Himself for you so that you can find healing in His love and kindness and a healthy, satisfying, blessed relationship with your Heavenly Father.

When you’re feeling beaten, broken and hurt seek Jesus’ healing kindness. He can heal any wounds you have and set you free of the pain you’ve been holding onto for so long.