Fruit of the Spirit
Kindness
Treating people with warmth, because God is kind to you.
What this is
Kindness is warm, practical goodwill. It notices people, speaks gently and helps without being asked, as God has been kind to you in Jesus.
Kindness doesn't flatter. Sometimes the kind thing is the honest thing. And it isn't only for people who are kind back.
The Spirit makes you kind as you remember God's kindness to you. Slow down enough to notice people, and act on small impulses to help.
In Jesus
Everyone kept their distance from a man with leprosy. Jesus was moved with compassion, reached out, touched him and healed him (Mark 1:40-42).
When it's missing
harshness, sarcasm, ignoring people
My verses
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Where to next
- Notice one personEach day this week, find someone who seems left out or tired and do something kind for them.
- Cut the sarcasmFor one week, drop sarcastic comments at home. Say what you mean, kindly.
- Act on the nudgeWhen you think of helping someone, do it within the hour.
- Be kind to an enemyDo one good thing for someone who hasn't been kind to you.
Tested most in
Pray
Lord, You have been so kind to me. Make me kind in my words and actions, especially to the people who are hard to love.