My favorite fairy tale character has always been Cinderella.She has had countless representations throughout the centuries, but the one that really captured my heart and imagination is the 1963 television adaptation of Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical “Cinderella.” The lilting melodies and sparkling sets and costumes were certainly a part of the attraction for me even as a small child, but I think it was this Cinderella’s simple and gentle care for others in spite of her social position or other’s treatment of her that has inspired me.
This delicate and graceful, dark-haired Cinderella responded gently and respectfully to the cruel and uncaring stepmother and stepsisters, but her responses to the loving fairy godmother and the unrecognized prince passing by were equally gentle and respectful. Cinderella speaks of her father as being in heaven only once, but her face and voice reveal a great love for him and joy at his memory. It is clear that she knew that, in spite of her present situation, her father had loved her. Perhaps, having been deeply loved by her father before his passing created a character in her that was strong enough to overcome her circumstances. Yes, she is a fairy tale, but weren’t fairy tales created to teach moral lessons? This Cinderella exhibited a quality that is worth exploring in our selfish, combative culture: kindness.
What is kindness?That’s a question I have been asking myself in preparation to write about it. We use the word so often, but without a clear picture of what it means.
The Collins English Dictionary defines kindness as “the quality of being gentle, caring and helpful” and the Cambridge English Dictionary says that kindness is “the quality of being generous, helpful and caring of other people.” The picture is of a person who gently demonstrates great care and concern for others and is willing to give more than is necessary. The Biblical word translated “kindness” is also often translated “goodness.” We might say that kindness is goodness demonstrated. Kindness is goodness in action. It is an internal quality that motivates action.
The Fire Bible study notes add this to the definition “It includes not wanting to hurt anyone or cause anyone pain.” It is wanting to help others without looking for anything back. Kindness is care and concern in word and action.
Cinderella helps me to understand kindness. In this adaptation, Cinderella is home alone and has been strictly charged not to open the door to anyone during her stepmother’s absence. The prince, whom Cinderella does not recognize, stops by the home and asks for a dipper of water from the family well. At first, Cinderella refuses explaining that her stepmother will beat her if she does, but as the prince emphasizes his thirst and encourages her that she doesn’t need to tell her stepmother, Cinderella relents. As she is drawing the water, the prince’s attendant remarks that the girl has not recognized him and is terrified of her stepmother. The prince responds, “But her kindness has overcome her fear.” When the prince she has finished she generously offers more, which the prince smilingly refuses. Cinderella’s concern for the well-being of another person drove her outside her comfort zone to action. True kindness is action motivated by a generous and caring heart.
So, here are the lessons:
Kindness can’t help but act. It was her concern for the need of the “weary traveler” that caused her to move from behind the safety of her closed door. Once she realized just how thirsty he was she was unable to remain inside.
Kindness is dependent on the giver, not the receiver. Cinderella was not motivated by the person of the prince. She didn’t know who he was and was expecting nothing in return. He was a thirsty person passing by who needed her help. When his thirst was quenched she went to extra mile and offered more with no prompting.
Kindness overcomes obstacles to action. Cinderella had enough reasons to stay inside and ignore the prince’s request. She would have lost nothing by staying safe. She risked a great deal by stepping out, but her caring nature would not allow her to stay safe when someone else was in need. She simply had to act.
True kindness is a reflection of God’s kindness to us. Cinderella leads me to this truth. The ability to fully express kindness starts and ends with God alone. He showed His care, concern and loving generosity to us while we were still sinners and had no concern for Him. (Romans 5:8) God’s kindness to us was never based on our response, but His own desire to express care and concern for us. (Titus 2: 4-5) God’s kindness toward us is motivated by His desire to lead us to repentance. (Romans 2:4 ) He reached past every obstacle to make us His own and He wants us to show His kindness to others.
Without the empowering of the Holy Spirit it is impossible to consistently display this kind of benevolence. It is possible to show acts of kindness without the empowering of the Holy Spirit. But our ability to continue to do so will fall short. Our natural tendency will always be to self-protect. I don’t know about you, but there are times when I can’t find enough concern for others in me to motivate me outside my comfort zone to action. My ability to show His kindness falls short. OFTEN. My kindness cannot even begin to match His kindness. I need the Holy Spirit to help me. I am simply not able to represent His kindness without the gift of the Holy Spirit bearing this fruit in my life.
So, what are you going to do the next time a “weary traveler” passes by? They might pass by you in your office or in your neighborhood. Maybe even at church. What are you going to do? What am I going to do? Maybe you and I can say a short prayer at that moment and ask God to let His kindness drive us outside our comfort zones to action.
Key Thought: Kindness motivates us to action.
A Scripture to consider: “But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5 NLT
A YES challenge: Today look for an opportunity to let kindness motivate you to action.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Your kindness toward me. You didn’t wait for me to reach out to You. You reached first. You didn’t wait until I deserved to be saved. You did all that was necessary. Help me to demonstrate Your kindness to the people in my world. Give me the care and concern for others that motivates me to action. Amen.