To Be Nice or To Be Kind: Exploring the Difference

09/18/23 • 47 min

Have you ever wondered how being nice is remarkably different from being kind? Well, today's enlightening discussion will unravel this intriguing mystery. We venture into the paradoxical world where being kind is often mistaken for just being nice, especially in the Christian faith. We dissect the cultural expectations and the pitfalls of considering niceness as an epitome of Christian virtue, while also exploring regional nuances between East Tennessee and the Northeast.
In the journey towards unmasking kindness, we'll illuminate the importance of clarity and its pivotal role. As we turn the pages of Galatians and Corinthians, we'll bring to light how clarity paves the way for kindness and how it can be a guiding light for business leaders to keep their workforce mission-focused.
As we delve deeper, we'll explore the dynamics of niceness and true kindness in our roles as mental health practitioners. We'll share insights on how to challenge clients in a manner that springs from kindness, even if it doesn't seem 'nice' at the moment. We'll also discuss how kindness plays a vital role in strengthening church relationships. So let’s embark together on this journey of discovery where we redefine the notions of being nice and kind. Prepare to challenge your preconceptions and embrace a new perspective on the significance of kindness over niceness.
Show Notes:

Notes on Chrēstotēs (Kray-Stoe-Ace)
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5544/kjv/tr/0-1/
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. -- Galatians 5:22 (CSB)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, 5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (CSB)

Notes on Chrēstotēs (Kray-Stoe-Ace)
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5544/kjv/tr/0-1/
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. -- Galatians 5:22 (CSB)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, 5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (CSB)

Previous Episode

The Anti-Fragile Approach: Discussing Distress and Mental Health

We delve into the transformative concept of anti-fragility, inspired by Nassim Taleb’s insightful book "Anti-Fragile". From the role of hardship in fostering resilience to the paradoxical impact of societal norms on parenting, this episode is a deep exploration into understanding how distress can be a catalyst for growth. Drawing upon other enlightening works like "Coddling of the American Mind" by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, we dissect the dynamics of mental health, individual growth, and resilience.
Picture a world where challenges are no longer daunting but stepping stones for growth. This compelling discussion takes us through how our societal norms have conditioned us to protect our children from hardships. We examine the influence of technology in parenting, highlighting the shift from the simpler times of dumbphones to the present era of smartphones. This thought-provoking conversation might prompt you to reconsider your parenting method, relationship with technology, and perception of distress.
As we navigate this enlightening journey, we intertwine the elements of faith and spirituality, underscoring the power of struggles as a source of strength. We contemplate harnessing our experiences to instigate positive alterations in our lives and relationships. Whether it's about overcoming obsessive anxiety or rebuilding a relationship after an offense, anti-fragility offers a fresh perspective. So brace yourself for an intriguing discussion that could revolutionize your understanding of distress, growth, and mental health.
Show Notes:

https://www.amazon.com/Solution-Focused-Brief-Therapy-Diamond/dp/1401970494
https://www.amazon.com/Antifragile-Things-That-Disorder-Incerto/dp/0812979680?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation/dp/0735224919/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VNZOQ1FVM99H&keywords=the+coddling+of+the+american+mind+paperback&qid=1694190055&s=books&sprefix=coddling%2Cstripbooks%2C105&sr=1-1
James 1:2-4: "Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."
Romans 5:3-4: "And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths."
Isaiah 55:8-9 "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.' This is the LORD’s declaration. 'For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'"

Next Episode

Navigating through the Layers of Generational Cohorts and Cultural Shifts

Are you ready for a journey through time? Join us, Dr. David Hall and Matt Scheuneman, as we decipher the complex constructs of generational cohorts. We've cracked open history books and analysed social shifts and technological impacts to present a comprehensive view of distinct generational experiences right from the 'greatest generation' to the upcoming Generation Alpha.
Did you know the socio-cultural changes, historical events, and technological advancements of an era significantly shape a generation? We've dug into these aspects and more for each generational cohort. We draw insights from psychologist researcher Jean Twenge's enlightening books, IGen, and Generations, to give you an understanding of the 20th-century generations. As we discuss the fading influence of the baby boomers with their approaching retirement, we unravel the desire of younger generations for wisdom and insight from them. We also talk about how churches can play a significant role in fostering this intergenerational interaction.
Our discussion wouldn't be complete without mentioning the profound impact of technology. As we stand at the cusp of Generation Alpha, the role of technology in shaping communication and interactions is undeniable. This calls for translators who can bridge this generational gap, a role that's vital in understanding and appreciating the richness of these generational differences. So tune in, as we take you on an intriguing exploration through generational cohorts and their significant cultural shifts.
Show Notes: