Spiritual Speculation Space
Kindness
April 15, 2026
* What topic do you want to discuss in May?
* Do you want a mild social sharing structure applied to this summer's SocialSSS Zoom gatherings?
​ Discussion​
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Have you witnessed any acts of kindness recently?
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What are some of the most memorable expressions of kindness you've ever encountered?
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Is kindness innate?
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How much does kindness depend on circumstance?
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Frequently dark, discouraging, and/or problematic topics are considered "deeper" engagements (for example think of artistic expressions), while topics like kindness are considered shallow or simple. Why does this perception exist? Is it erroneous? Do we have a tendency to not delve deeply enough into the life-giving aspects of humanity?​
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Acts of kindness sometimes require vulnerability and courage, especially when they are offered to people we don't know, or in new situations. Have you ever found the idea of reaching out to others intimidating?
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The video below claims that kindness is intuitive to humans, and the more we intellectualize reaching out in kindness rather than just impulsively reacting, the less likely we are to be kind. Have you experienced this phenomenon?
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Do you have any thoughts on the bible passage below?
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From your understanding of history and culture, are some human societies more kind than others? If so, is that kindness universal or only expressed to some groups within a given society? Is it possible to collect the varied expressions of kindness most common in differing societies and adopt them into one, or do some expressions contradict others?
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How can we make the world a kinder place? ​
Background Materials
Material listed here is intended to enhance discussion. The inclusion of these materials is not an endorsement of their authors or the organizations publishing them. We encourage you to fact check any claims made in these materials.
Galatians 5 (MSG): 22-23 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
23-24 Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
25-26 Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.