By Sister Delores Green
Do you know the difference? So many people think that those adjectives both have the same meaning, but this isn't true. As Christians, it is very important to know the difference because it makes a big impact in our lives today. So let's break down the two meanings.
Nice is defined as someone who is pleasant, agreeable or something that is in good condition and that is pleasing. Synonyms of the word nice include enjoyable, pleasant, agreeable, good, satisfying, gratifying, delightful and marvelous.
Kind or kindness is doing something and not expecting anything in return. Kindness is respect and helping others without waiting for someone to help one back. It exhibits kindness no matter what. Kindness is a behavior marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant disposition and a concern for others. Kindness is the quality of being generous, helpful and caring about other people, or the act showing this quality. Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. Synonyms of kindness include kindliness, kindheartedness, warm-heartedness, affection, warmth, gentleness, concern and care.
Still need help identifying whether or not you’re a nice or kind Christian? Reflect on these examples and see where you line up.
Characteristics of a kind Christian:
- Loves the church
- A worker in the church
- Sincerely loves others,
- Eager to help others
- Prays for others
- Cares about the community
- Team player on the job
- Eager to witness to others about the gospel of Jesus Christ
- Happy to financially support the church
When you are kind, you will have compassion for someone who is hurting or in trouble. You are eager to help them or pray for them. When you are kind, loving someone sincerely is easy because it's deep in your soul. You can love someone that doesn't love you. A kind Christian loves Jesus Christ, and is willing to surrender their life to Him and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
In contrast, here are characteristics of a nice Christian:
-
Likes church
-
Nice to others
-
Only helps others if there is something in it for them
-
Needs recognition in the church or wants something in return for their efforts
-
Cares about the community only if it affects them
-
At work, only concerned about getting ahead and will step on anyone to get there
-
Knows about Jesus, but won't share the Gospel because they want Him all to themselves
Nice Christians can only love on the surface. They want to be loved and adored by others, but don't want to love others. Nice Christians love Jesus and will acknowledge Him, but struggle to give their life completely because of selfishness. It's hard for them to give of themselves. They are wounded and fearful.
Churches today do not have enough kind people, and instead has plenty of nice people. But in order to have a strong church we must be kind. Kind people build strong churches!
So, if I have made you think for a moment if you are nice or kind, that's great – knowing the difference will change your life! One of the fruit of the Spirit is kindness. Jesus was kind and we are to mirror ourselves to be more like Him.