Ruth Oriowo
Imagine life is like a big, colourful quilt, and kindness is the happy song that everyone can sing no matter where they’re from.
Today, I am taking you on a special adventure through old songs that talk about being kind. These traditional hymns about kindness are like poems written by people with big, loving hearts.
They’re like musical reminders that being kind is super important and makes the world a better place. So, let’s listen to these songs that are like magical stories about how awesome kindness is!
Traditional Hymns About Kindness
1. “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” by Sebastian Temple
This heartfelt hymn implores a divine plea to be an instrument of peace and love. As you listen to its soothing notes, you can’t help but feel a gentle nudge to be that channel through which kindness flows, touching lives and healing hearts.
In a world often filled with discord, these verses inspire a commitment to radiate peace through acts of kindness.
2. “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” by John Fawcett
Rooted in the idea of unity and shared humanity, this hymn celebrates the bonds that kindness weaves among us.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a community held together by ties of love and compassion. It’s a musical reminder that kindness not only binds us but also makes the tapestry of life more beautiful.
3. “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love” by Peter Scholtes
A powerful anthem of Christian love, this hymn echoes the profound truth that our actions speak louder than words.
It challenges us to let our kindness be the beacon that identifies us. The music and lyrics together create an uplifting atmosphere, compelling us to embody love in every interaction and, in doing so, make our faith tangible.
4. “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” by Charles Wesley
In the poetic verses of this hymn, the songwriter fervently seeks divine love to transform and empower. It’s an invitation to embrace a love that transcends human understanding, inspiring us to reflect this divine love in our daily lives.
Through acts of kindness, we become vessels of that excellence in love.
5. “O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee” by Washington Gladden
This is a prayerful hymn that resonates with humility, it gently asks for guidance to walk in the footsteps of kindness. Its verses inspire introspection, urging us to tread the path of compassion and empathy.
The melody becomes a companion in this walk, creating a serene backdrop for the aspirations of a kinder journey.
6. “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Folliott S. Pierpoint
Celebrating the simple joys and wonders of creation, this hymn encourages us to recognize and appreciate the beauty around us. In that recognition lies the seed of kindness — a reminder to care for the earth and its inhabitants.
Each note carries a call to be stewards of the beauty that kindness can preserve and nurture.
7. “Make Me a Blessing” by IRA B. Wilson
This hymn is a plea for a life of purposeful kindness. It’s a musical expression of the desire to be a source of blessings for others.
As the verses unfold, the listener is gently prompted to consider how their actions can be a positive influence, leaving a trail of goodwill in their wake.
8. “Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak” by Frances R. Havergal
A hymn of consecration, this composition invites the divine to guide our words and actions. In the context of kindness, it serves as a reminder that our speech and deeds can be instruments of positive change.
The melody becomes a prayer for the strength to speak and act with kindness in a world that often needs it the most.
9. “Help Somebody Today” by Johnson Oatman Jr.
The title itself is a clarion call to kindness. This hymn is a musical embodiment of the idea that each day offers opportunities to make a difference in someone else’s life.
It’s a cheerful reminder that kindness is not reserved for grand gestures but can be found in the simple act of helping another person, turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.
10. “Love One Another” by Luacine Clark Fox
Simple yet profound, this hymn encapsulates the essence of kindness in its purest form — love. Its melody carries a gentle directive to love one another, emphasizing the transformative power of love in fostering a kinder, more compassionate world.
As the music swells, it’s a call to let love guide our actions and interactions.
11. “We Are One in the Spirit” by Peter Scholtes
With an uplifting tempo, this hymn celebrates the unity of the human spirit. In the context of kindness, it becomes an anthem for recognizing our shared humanity.
It encourages us to extend kindness not only to those who are familiar but to all, for in the spirit of unity, the seeds of kindness can flourish and bring people together.
12. “Where Charity and Love Prevail” by Omer Westendorf
Centred on the themes of charity and love, this hymn is a poetic reminder that where these virtues prevail, there is kindness.
It’s a melodic expression of the belief that true charity goes beyond material giving; it encompasses a spirit of kindness that permeates relationships and communities, creating a harmonious environment.
13. “Lord of All Hopefulness” by Jan Struther
This hymn, with its serene melody, paints a picture of hopefulness and positivity. In the pursuit of kindness, it becomes a prayer for the strength to bring hope into the lives of others.
As you listen, it’s a reminder that every act of kindness is a beacon of hope, illuminating even the darkest corners of someone’s world.
14. “Help Us Accept Each Other” by Fred Kaan
The plea within this hymn is for understanding and acceptance, virtues that lay the foundation for kindness. Its gentle cadence mirrors the soft request for hearts to be open and minds to be receptive.
In a world where differences can sometimes create divisions, this hymn becomes a gentle reminder of the kindness found in acceptance.
15. “What Does the Lord Require of You?” by Albert F. Bayly
Rooted in the biblical passage from Micah 6:8, this hymn poses a reflective question about the essence of righteous living. It becomes a meditative exploration of the role of kindness in fulfilling the requirements of a compassionate life.
Its verses prompt contemplation on how kindness aligns with the divine call for justice, mercy, and humility.
16. “In Christ There Is No East or West” by John Oxenham
A hymn that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, it emphasizes the universal nature of kindness. As the melody unfolds, it becomes a musical bridge that connects hearts across divides.
In a world that often highlights differences, this hymn encourages us to see the common thread that binds us and, in doing so, fosters kindness without borders.
17. “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” by Isaac Watts
While traditionally associated with the contemplation of the sacrifice of Christ, the hymn also carries a profound message about love and redemption.
In the context of kindness, it becomes a reflective piece on the transformative power of love, prompting a sincere acknowledgement of the kindness embedded in the ultimate act of sacrifice.
18. “All Creatures of Our God and King” by St. Francis of Assisi
Inspired by the Canticle of the Sun, this hymn celebrates the interconnectedness of all creation. In the spirit of kindness, it encourages reverence for all living beings and the Earth itself.
The music becomes a joyful proclamation of our responsibility to extend kindness not only to fellow humans but to the entire tapestry of creation.
19. “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” by Henry Van Dyke
With its jubilant melody, this hymn is a celebration of the joy that stems from gratitude and reverence. In the context of kindness, it becomes an anthem for expressing gratitude through acts of kindness.
The music inspires a joyful approach to life, encouraging us to spread kindness as a natural outpouring of our adoration for the beauty and goodness around us.
20. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm
Closing our hymnal journey with a hymn that echoes gratitude and faithfulness becomes a poignant reminder of the steadfast nature of kindness.
The melody wraps around the lyrics like a comforting embrace, resonating with the idea that kindness, too, is a faithful companion through life’s ups and downs.
In every act of kindness, we witness the great faithfulness of compassion and love.
Conclusion
As you listened to these traditional hymns about kindness, I hope they made a happy tune of kindness play in your heart.
In a world where things can sometimes be a bit noisy and not so nice, these songs are like a reminder that being kind is really wonderful.
So, let the beat of kindness show you the way, and may your life be like a song that never gets old, singing the timeless melody of love and being good to others.
