Showing Kindness in Difficult Times Builds Relationship
There is a myth that is associated with business that is very misleading, to the extent that if you believe it, you are missing out on one of the greatest ways to build relationships. The myth is that kindness is a sign of weakness. This could not be further from the truth and I believe that not only is it a godly character trait but it is a key to the growth of your business.
Kindness is an amazing connection point that is particularly heightened in hard times. I want to share this story with you.
When we show kindness and serve someone during a difficult time it becomes like an accelerant to relationship building. Psalm 46 reveals the character of Jesus is to be a “very present help in a time of need.”
There are many stories in the bible that follow a similar pattern. A king or decision maker is going through a difficult time and God provides a person willing to serve them and show kindness in this way. This is the pattern of Joseph, Daniel, Esther and so many more. In serving the leader they find favor and increase in some way as a result. Sometimes the increase is a promotion, sometimes it is wealth. In any case, there is a notable benefit to serving people in their difficult times. When we show this kind of character in our lives I believe God blesses it. This is the key moment in Daniel’s account after he brought clarity to the King’s dream:
The king answered Daniel and said, “Most certainly your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery!” Then the king promoted Daniel [to an exalted position] and gave him many great gifts, and he made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.
Kindness and the action of serving someone builds trust and develops meaningful relationships. Kindness is a trait of strong leaders. The kind of leader who has the maturity and ability to account for more than a person’s work product. Sometimes there is more going on in a person’s life that is affecting their work, but it might not be obvious from a quick look at their numbers. A good leader is able to see extenuating circumstances and account for factors that might be affecting their work. When a person feels seen, understood, and experiences kindness – the result is often a deep and meaningful relational connection.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted,”
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