The Bible tells us a lot about the importance of kindness. We know that the God of the Bible is a loving and kind God that is moved by compassion (Mark 6:34; Luke 15:3-7; Isaiah 40:11). We are told that it’s God’s kindness that leads us to salvation and repentance (Titus 3:4-5; Romans 2:4; Romans 11:22). God modeled kindness in his forgiveness and instructed us to also be kind towards others because of how he treated us (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12). And as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), we know that true kindness can only be produced in us as a result of God’s work in our lives (2 Corinthians 6:4-6).
But long before any scientific research was commissioned, God declared that there are benefits of being kind. We’re told that those who put love into action through kindness will benefit themselves (Proverbs 11:17), they will be repaid by the Lord (Proverbs 19:17), and it will result in great rewards (Luke 6:35).
It’s only recently that we have started seeing how science has started catching up to what God said long ago in this area. Here are 5 insights about kindness that research has revealed:
1. Helping Others can Boost Energy
According to Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center: “About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth”.
2. Being Kind to Others Can Increase Happiness
In this 2019 study by Lee Rowland and Oliver Scott Curry, participants were found to have a higher level of happiness after 7 days of performing acts of kindness – whether it was an acquaintance or even a stranger.
3. Even Just Observing Acts of Kindness Increases Happiness
In the same 2019 study, it was determined that even just actively observing acts of kindness every day for a seven day stretch were shown to increase levels of happiness. This reaffirms the Biblical principles of being wise with the type of people you spend your time around.
The righteous person is cautious in his friendship,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
4. Showing Kindness Can Increase Serotonin
According to Marcie Hall, MD, research has shown the increase of serotonin in the body of those who show kindness. Serotonin is “the feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy”
5. Kindness May Help You Live Longer
In her book “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”, Christine Carter, Ph.D, executive director of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center conveys “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more.”
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