Dr. Crowder shared the following in a letter to future Living Waters Region Clergy on Thursday, July 16.
May I Have A Word With You About Kindness?
Beloved Colleagues,
We are living in a time marked by division, anger, uncertainty, and pain. Every day, people are carrying burdens that we cannot see. I believe that a kind word, a thoughtful note, a listening ear, a warm smile, or a quiet act of compassion can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life.
In fact, researchers have discovered what Scripture has taught for centuries: kindness changes lives. Studies have found that acts of kindness not only lift the spirits of those who receive them but also improve the well-being of those who extend them. Kindness can reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness and hope, strengthen relationships, and even inspire those who witness an act of kindness to extend kindness to someone else. In many ways, kindness creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the original gesture.
Imagine what our homes, hospitals, churches, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and communities would look like if each of us intentionally performed one act of kindness every day. A simple phone call to someone who is lonely, a handwritten note of encouragement, paying for someone’s meal, offering a sincere compliment, posting a kind response to a Facebook post, praying with a person who is hurting, or simply taking time to listen without judgment can leave an imprint that lasts long after the moment has passed.
Over the past several days, as I have scrolled through my social media timeline, I have witnessed a great deal of pain. I have seen families grieving the loss of loved ones. Friends wrestling with difficult diagnoses. Parents carrying burdens they never imagined. Communities mourning acts of violence. People facing financial hardship, loneliness, disappointment, and uncertainty.
It is a sobering reminder that behind every profile picture is a person with a story. Behind every smile may be someone fighting a battle we cannot see. The world is carrying a heavy load right now. That is why our words matter. Our prayers matter. Our kindness matters. A simple phone call, a thoughtful message, a warm embrace, or an act of compassion can become a lifeline for someone who is struggling.
Over the past several weeks, I have come to appreciate this truth in a deeply personal way. Since the death of our son, Soll, I/we have experienced extraordinary kindness from so many people. Your prayers, phone calls, cards, meals, hugs, messages, visits, and your presence have sustained our family and me during one of the most difficult seasons of our lives. Every expression of love reminded us that we are not walking this journey alone. We will never be able to fully express how much your kindness has meant to us.
Your kindness has reminded us that God often ministers to hurting people through the hearts and hands of others. The Body of Christ is never more beautiful than when it surrounds those who are grieving, struggling, or in need with love that expects nothing in return.
This experience has also challenged me to be even more intentional about extending kindness to others. We never know what someone else may be facing. The smile we see may hide sorrow. The person who appears strong may be carrying a heavy burden. The individual who seems distant may simply be longing for someone to notice them. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness arrives at exactly the right moment.
Jesus said in John 13:34–35:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Those words remind us that kindness is an expression of God’s love at work through us. It is an essential part of Christian discipleship. Every act of compassion is an opportunity to reflect the love of Jesus Christ.
Kindness is contagious. It softens hearts, builds bridges, restores hope, and reminds us of our shared humanity. In a culture that often rewards criticism and conflict, choosing kindness is a powerful witness to the love of Christ and a powerful act of resistance to the current culture. Kindness is not weakness; it is strength guided by the Holy Spirit.
By the way, thank you for the extraordinary kindness you have shown me and my family. We will carry your love with us always. Your compassion has been a source of strength and has become an important part of our healing journey. We are deeply grateful.
My prayer is that each of us will make kindness a daily practice. Before we rush through our day, may we ask ourselves, “How can I reflect the love of Christ through a simple act of kindness today?”
If each of us answers that question with action, our families will be stronger, our churches will be healthier, our communities will be more compassionate, and our world will become a better place. Never underestimate the power of kindness. One act of compassion can change a day. Many acts of compassion can change a life. And a community committed to kindness can help change the world.
Someone in your circle needs your kindness today. Be the reminder that hope is still alive.
