We have
been talking about the 9 Biblical attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit. This week we are on the fifth, which is
kindness or gentleness. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Gal. 5:22. We should live “in
purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere
love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness
in the right hand and in the left” – 2 Cor. 6:6-7.
Kindness
is a quality of being kind, an act of kindness, being of a friendly or generous
nature, showing sympathy, mercy, empathy, or understanding, warm-heartedness.
Last
time we talked about how many people are impatient and have short fuses. People have lost the ability to treat others
with respect and kindness. Kindness is
linked with love as is loving kindness.
Being kind doesn’t mean you are weak and it doesn’t compromise the
truth. It’s a manner of speaking and
acting. It’s an attitude. It comes from an attitude that everyone
around you is worthy of being treated well – even yourself. Stop being angry with yourself and forgive
yourself, and be kind to yourself.
Kindness
puts others at ease telling them you are not out to do harm, which allows
people to feel safe around you. We are
to do to others as God has done for us (Eph.
4:32).
God has
shown us kindness. We were once foolish,
disobedient, deceived, enslaved to sin, envious, hateful – just to name a
few. God sent His Son, Jesus to save us
not on the basis of our deeds, but according to His mercy and by the Holy
Spirit (Titus 3:3-7).
Since
God is kind, the follower of Jesus is to be kind. That’s part of being holy. We are to treat people with respect, use
gentle words, provide a helping hand to the elderly, and help the needy. Do random acts of kindness. Give them a little taste of God’s love.
“I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because
I am holy.” – Lev. 11:44.
How do
you show kindness to others?
Are you
words gentle or harsh?
People
are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered – Love them anyway.
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility gentleness
and patience. Bear with each other and
forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Col. 3:12-13.
Kindness
is a growth process as you let the Spirit live in you and remain in Him. Jesus said, “I am the
vine; you are the branches. If a man
remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do
nothing.” – John 15:5.
Kindness
demonstrates Christ to the world. So
practice kindness - Practice, Practice, Practice. If we are willing, the Spirit will enable us
to respond in love and kindness.
Next
time we will talk more about the characteristics of the fruit of the
Spirit. We still have goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to cover. Hope to see you here.
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