Do we have to be “kind to everyone?”  Well–Not really. It depends on the circumstances and what is happening at that moment in time.

The Bible teaches us to be kind to one another, as God has been kind to us in Christ. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a mark of love (1 Corinthians 13:4). Kindness is also a way of showing God’s grace and mercy to others and leading them to repentance (Romans 2:4).

However, the Bible also warns us not to be naive or foolish in our kindness. We should not associate with wicked people who can corrupt us (1 Corinthians 15:33) or cast our pearls before swine who will trample them underfoot (Matthew 7:6). We should also not enable sin or injustice by being kind to the wrongdoers, but rather expose them and rebuke them (Ephesians 5:11, Proverbs 27:5).

Therefore, we need to be wise and discerning in our kindness, and follow the example of Jesus, who was kind to all, but also spoke the truth and confronted the evil. He said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

Dealing with rude, selfish or unkind individuals really can be challenging and quite stressful.  What I usually do is take a moment, take a deep breath, and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit as to how I should proceed. God never lets me down!

The LORD will usually guide our paths (Proverbs 3:5-8) when we look to Him and trust Him. God will temper our behavior when we ask for His intercession, when we take time to reflect, and think about how Jesus would act, we will find answers.

Be as gracious as you can be to a point. Be kind in your directives, your responses, but also firm in your belief. Don’t be nasty but be careful in your choice of words that doesn’t encourage the person to continue in their verbal abuse to you.

Sometimes, as Jesus’ said, “shake the dust off and leave” them to their own thoughts and consequences after you try to help. There is nothing more for you to do. It’s up to God to do the rest.

“Lord, may I always be reflective of Your love and kindness, may I know when to leave and how to turn from rude, unkind, and negative people in a respectful Christian way, and may I do all to please YOU, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”