The Six Characteristics of Kind People
This list doesn’t claim to be comprehensive. It’s just my simple attempt to list out some of the characteristics that define kind people. I’m blessed to know many of them – and challenged each day to grow in these attributes.
Kind people are thoughtful. They understand that every human is a person, with unique hopes and fears, dreams and worries, troubles and joys. They never ignore this essentially human element in all their interactions. This makes them highly empathetic. They take the time to think about people beside themselves. This internal thoughtfulness expresses itself in external action: considerate gestures, empathetic words, and a constant concern for other people.
Kind people are gentle. Because they are thoughtful and empathetic, kind people naturally express their thoughtfulness through gentle words and gentle actions. Even in confrontation and rebuke, they maintain this gentleness, knowing the reality of human weakness. Kind people cannot be judgmental or legalistic, because such actions are fundamentally opposed to gentleness. Their gentle demeanor makes them influential: “the power of gentleness is irresistible” (H. Martyn).
Kind people are unrushed. They have time for others, and they prioritize people over things or events. Because they recognize the value of other people, they avoid cramming their schedules full of trivial distractions. When they are busy, their genuine care for others finds time to express itself.
Kind people are generous. Rather than viewing ‘things’ as a gift to be enjoyed by themselves, they view their possessions as a blessing that they are meant to pass on to others. They are stewards who have been entrusted with the means to encourage others.
Kind people are complimentary. They are thoughtful enough to actually identify the positive qualities in other people – and they care enough to verbalize their thoughts. They do this, not because they intend to gain anything from the compliment – far less because they are flatterers – but because they recognize unique gifts and want to encourage those who possess them.
Kind people are caring. They realize that life does not center around themselves. Instead, they celebrate the joys and sympathize with the sorrows of those around them. They ask genuine and reflective questions – and they are great conversationalists – because of their genuine love for others. They remember what is told them, because they view all communication as an undeserved gift entrusted to them by others.
“Let every day be a day of humility; condescend to all the weaknesses and infirmities of your fellow-creature, cover their frailties, love their excellencies, encourage their virtues, relive their wants, rejoice in their prosperities, compassionate over their distress, receive their friendship, overlook the unkindness, forgive their malice, be a servant of servants, and condescend to do the lowliest offices of the lowest of mankind.” (William Law)
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