Crowned With Kindness

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January 6, 2026

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4 min read

A phrase we are likely familiar with, “Life has not been kind,” comes up when we reflect back or survey the landscape of our lives. In this season of post-holiday contemplation, maybe you find yourself using some version of that phrase.

The sting of sadness, disappointment, or frustration feels sharp.
Painful questions loom large over you.
Relationships where you hoped for repair and resolution remain in conflict.
Shame threatens to swallow you up from selfish choices you’ve made.

Perhaps you sense anything but kindness when you review the past year. Friend, there is no need to look for silver linings, and no pressure to manufacture goodness or abundance where there has been harsh exile or a barren wasteland. Well-intentioned platitudes become darts of cruelty to the one who is mourning or doubting.

We will not find ourselves suddenly viewing our circumstances and relationships through a lens of kindness simply because we turned over the calendar page to 2026. Obstacles remain, tensions linger, and weariness stretches longer than we imagined possible. What if instead of searching for evidence of kindness, we gaze upon the kindness of Christ? Christ is kindness embodied, and we are invited to partake of his kindness.

Sometimes when I am talking with counselees who have experienced loss or betrayal of various kinds – those severe unkindnesses – I gently nudge them to consider the kindness of Christ. My aim is not to characterize their pain as somehow less painful, or to convince them that because God is “using this” to refine or grow them, it will be worth it. No, my hope in offering Christ’s kindness is to reorient us toward something (someone!) that is not dependent on a particular outcome.

When life has been unkind, we can become fixated on plotting a way out or alleviating the pain. We might plunge toward despair, assuming that because kindness has been absent there is no hope. What we need ultimately, even when there may be practical strategies to implement, is to turn toward Christ. We can turn toward the kindness of Christ when it feels like others have turned against us, or when we have turned against ourselves. God’s Word offers us aspects of his kindness that can be instrumental as we consider this turning.

Jesus demonstrated kind compassion and concern for the needs of others by feeding them (Mtt. 14 and 15), healing them from disease (Mtt. 14:14; 20:34), and comforting them in their grief (Jn. 11). He extended merciful kindness to the ones doubting (Jn. 20:24-29) and those who questioned his purposes (Mtt. 28:17). The kindness of Christ welcomes our deepest cries and most conflicted questions. It’s his kindness that invites us to be free from the darkness of shame (Rm. 2:4). In the riches of Scripture, we find a kindness that extends beyond every border or any barrier we can imagine. The Incarnation of Christ, this laying down kind of love, crowns us with his kindness!

On the threshold of this new year, I hope you will join me in turning toward the kindness of Christ. Consider the suggestions below:

Many Bible reading plans launch in the early weeks of the new year. This can be a great time to try a new approach, or to reengage with Scripture if that has been absent from your life. Consider starting with the Gospels.
Ask God in prayer to help you discern Christ’s kindness more clearly. Invite a friend to discuss this question with you, or take time to journal about it: How can I position myself to receive Christ’s kindness?
Listen to music that highlights the kindness of Christ toward those he loves. A couple of my favorites are Jesus, Strong and Kind (by City Alight) and Be Kind to Yourself (by Andrew Peterson).

If you aren’t sure where to start, or you feel like the weight of what you’re carrying is more than you can bear alone, one of our counselors would love to support you in this season. Whether it’s a one-time consultation, or ongoing counseling, our team of counselors is committed to providing lasting hope for life’s hardships.