When Kindness Doesn’t Come Naturally
Let’s be honest—kindness doesn’t come easy when someone says or does something that drives you crazy. These days, it’s a whole lot easier to “cancel” someone than to confront or forgive them. One click, one comment, one bad moment—and they’re written off. Cancel culture promises justice, but it rarely leaves room for grace or growth.
A Better Way: The Jesus Way
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to something different—something better.
Ephesians 4:32 says,
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
That’s not just good advice—it’s a way of life. It’s what makes us stand out in a world that’s quick to judge and slow to forgive.
What Kindness Really Means
Now, let’s clear something up. Kindness doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine or ignoring the truth. It’s not about sweeping problems under the rug.
Kindness is choosing love over retaliation, even when it’s unpopular.
That’s what Jesus did—over and over. He defended the accused, shared meals with the misunderstood, and spoke truth without tearing people down.
Imagine the Ripple Effect
What if we led with that kind of grace in our communities?
In a world full of noise and negativity, small acts of kindness shine bright. A thoughtful text, a patient response, or a gracious question can turn a tense moment into a glimpse of God’s love.
Even Science Agrees
Here’s something cool—research from UC San Diego shows that practicing compassion actually improves mental health. When we’re kind, our stress drops and our perspective widens.
It’s like God wired us to feel better when we treat others better. (Go figure!)
What If Newbreak Was Known for This?
At Newbreak Church, we want to be known for that kind of love. A community where disagreement doesn’t end a relationship—and where grace outshines judgment.
Imagine if our church became known less for canceling and more for caring.
That’s a story worth living out.
A Simple Challenge
So next time you scroll, post, or disagree with someone, pause and ask:
“What would kindness look like here?”
You might be surprised how powerfully it changes not just the moment—but your heart, too.
Written by JoAnn Johnson
JoAnn Johnson is the Lead Pastor at Newbreak Church. JoAnn and her husband, Eric, love San Diego and exploring all the great beaches with their two boys and dogs. Prior to serving at Newbreak she worked with the SoCal Network of the Assemblies of God providing leadership and training for hundreds of churches and pastors. She is excited for the future of Newbreak Church, as we continue to develop leaders who change their communities.
Such a meaningful and uplifting post. You explained true kindness beautifully—not as ignoring truth, but choosing love and grace even when it’s difficult. The example of Jesus and the science-backed perspective make this message even more powerful. Really inspiring and relevant in today’s world. Keep sharing such thoughtful content!