Nice Or Kind

Is it better to be nice or kind? What is the difference between the two? I thought they were interchangeable.

Nice

For example, it is common to teach our children to be nice. After all, we all want them to get along with others. Right? Until recently, I never thought about the differences.

One day a friend informed me that the word nice is not even in the Bible! So, I looked into it. Considering the different translations from Hebrew and Greek into English, the word nice does  show up, maybe a handful of times. 

The fascinating thing is, every time nice is used in English translations, it always has a negative connotation. In reality, “Nice” is a lite-weight word that is full of deception. 

The original languages translate from words we would consider insincere, and sweet-talking when they translate to nice.  

Nice is hot air without substance. These empty words are often used to manipulate others. That is what nice really means, even in English.

Nice Is Peace Keeping

“Nice” is similar to peace keeping. This is when we put on a smile and lie to someone so we do not upset them. It does not help either of us. In fact, most people catch the insincerity of the lie, so it often only makes a situation worse.

Kind

“Kindness” on the other hand is more like peace making. In this process we might still smile, but we can be gently, and lovingly honest. This sort of communication has a much better chance of building authentic relationships. Matthew 5:9

Kindness carries weight. Instead of being hollow, being kind requires actions of substance. 

This weight is full of genuine care, justice, honesty and integrity. In the original languages of the Bible, it means unfaltering love. 

In the New Testament, being kind is always in the context of love and faithfulness. Kindness is also part of the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23

In the Old Testament we read, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,^[b] and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

Nice or Kind?

Back to my original question:

Is it better to be nice or kind? 

I hope we all have fresh elements to consider as we interact with others. I know I do.

Abba, I ask you to help me live out Micah 6:8 AMP “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” Amen

The above image is from Belonging.House