One of the most touching examples of conversion to Christianity, through kindness, is found in the book of Acts, chapter 9 verse 39. Where Peter, in the power of the Holy Spirit, raised Dorcas from the dead. This miracle, to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, was of course to glorify our Lord, but also designed by God to confirm the message of salvation. But also another truth stands out. Dorcas was a good woman that was loved by many because of her kindness. Luke tells us that Dorcas was always doing good and helping others. Paul describes a mature Christian as excelling in any respect, to be distinguished and to be good. To be good means to be benevolent, generous, or kind. Dorcas stands out in Scripture as a kind soul involved in helping the poor and meeting the needs of others.

Having a gentle and quiet spirit is also a sign of humility and maturity. Jesus taught the crowds on the mountainside that a quality of Christianity was to be gentle, 'blessed are the gentle-hearted, for they shall inherit the earth' - Matt 5:5. Paul also urged all Christians to exemplify this quality in their lives as reflecting the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) and in Ephesians he wrote, 'Be completely humble and gentle.' There is no question that gentleness is a mark of Christian maturity and in all relationships.

When Scriptures talk about quietness, communication is not the basic issue. Rather quietness or silence refers to the spirit in which a Christian communicates. The Holy Spirit, in you, reflects how you communicate and bear the fruits that include gentleness, kindness, and humility.

I have been a witness of the opposite of this in public places. Such as: a grocery store where a man and woman have a disagreement and the man will not hold back to publicly and loudly humiliate his wife. Or a child's baseball game where a parent has shouted obsenities to the coach or even to other children in the opposing team! Tone of voice, attitude, and communication are very important reflections of the fruits we bear. People are naturally attracted to a kind, gentle, and quiet spirit. Amd are embarrassed and repulsed by a loud and brash demonstration. True, a loud and boisterous and insensitive man is repulsive, but a woman more so. External beauty is important, but the fact remains that without inner beauty of a kind, gentle, and quiet spirit, external beauty quickly becomes superficial. Many of us yearn for respect, but without this inner quality we will only lose respect instead of earning it.

Ask yourself:

1. Am I good to all people; Christians and non-Christians? (Gal. 6:9-10)
2. Do I treat all people with equal respect? Is this a natural result of my salvation? (Eph. 2:8-10)
3. Do I realize that doing good also involves what I say as well as what I do? (Eph. 4:29)
4. Does my prayer include that I bear fruit in every good work? (Col. 1:10)
5. Do I avoid returning evil for evil? (1 Thess. 5:15)
6. Do I listen to myself when I am interacting with my family as well as others? (Prov. 16:24)
7. Is there perversion or harshness in your communication to others? (Prov. 15:1,4)

Apply the truths of kindness to your life. In many instances words are as effective as deeds in doing good; as a means of encouragement and comfort. However, in some instances words can never replace deeds. Jesus called us to be disciples to go out into the world and bring the Good News. But if someone is suffering, cold or thirsty, meer words cannot bring comfort. Food, a blanket, and a cold drink will be the bread of life to them. (James 2:15-16) By our fruits we will be known as followers of Christ. Only by our examples, in our kindness and gentleness, can we be the arms, voice, and smile of Jesus. Always remember you may be the only Jesus they will ever see. Make a lasting impression!