Is being nice actually stopping us from being truly kind? 📖

In this episode, we unpack the profound and often scandalous distinction between biblical kindness (chrestotes) and modern niceness. While secular niceness operates exclusively on the surface—acting as a self-protective mechanism to avoid conflict and keep everyone comfortable—true Christian kindness is a disruptive, Spirit-wrought force focused on the ultimate, objective good of our neighbour.Drawing on the rich Septuagint and New Testament roots of chrestotes, we explore this 'sheltering, restorative grace' and contrast it with agathousune (active, reforming goodness). Along the way, we dive into:C.S. Lewis's seminal warnings on how a naturally 'nice' temperament can become a deadly spiritual snare.Jonathan Edwards's critique of societal politeness as a sophisticated mask for self-love.The Puritan insights of Richard Baxter on the spiritual slavery of 'man-pleasing' and Thomas Watson on why flattery is actually a form of cruelty.Francis Schaeffer's powerful dual commitment to the holiness of God (absolute truth) and the love of God (observable grace).Whether you are navigating a secular workplace governed by strict codes of cultural compliance or trying to speak the truth in love across the outrage-driven digital landscape, this episode offers a vital pastoral paradigm for reclaiming a robust, cruciform kindness.Hit subscribe, leave a review, and join us as we explore why the church is not called to be nice—it is called to be kind.