Be Kind (July 2025)

July 2025
Volume 34, Number 4

One hears parents telling their children to "Be nice," but what does it really mean? "Nice" is an insipid word, and the concept and the ensuing behavior rely on a person's conscience, which is based on each individual's worldview. It is far better to practice kindness, an idea well-defined in Scripture. As a fruit of God's Spirit, kindness has love at its center and does not expect anything in return. James Stoertz explores the differences between these words.

Ready Answer
Be Kind
by James C. Stoertz

One hears parents telling their children to "Be nice," but what does it really mean? "Nice" is an insipid word, and the concept and the ensuing behavior rely on a person's conscience, which is based on each individual's worldview. It is far better to practice kindness, an idea well-defined in Scripture. As a fruit of God's Spirit, kindness has love at its center and does not expect anything in return. James Stoertz explores the differences between these words.