But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness……Galatians 5:22
The fifth fruit of the Spirit is kindness. It should be a trait exhibited in the life of a believer.
“The Greek word for “kindness” is chrēstotēs. It means “benignity, tender concern, uprightness.” It is kindness of heart and kindness of act.” (GotQuestions.org)
To be kind is an action. It starts with a heart poster, which should translate into actions.
“To be kind means to want to help others, to encourage or comfort them, to do something that serves or benefits them” (Wright,2017)
Kindness is one of the attributes of God—his kindness toward us to offer salvation to all.
“Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:4-5)
“Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:3-4 ESV)
It can be hard to be kind to people in general. Not everyone is pleasant all the time, so it takes work to be kind. That’s why kindness has to be given to us by the Holy Spirit, and then we must obey.
God is kind to humanity in His offer of salvation.
“Kindness goes beyond duty—it means doing something you don’t have to do, but just choose to do.” (Wright 2017)
God did not have to offer a way to mend our relationship with Him, but He did. We should do the same. We should strive to be kind to the people we know and meet in our daily lives. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can.
Here is something to think about. How can you show kindness today?
What other ways have you experienced the kindness of God other than salvation?
Reference
GotQuestions: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is kindness? https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-kindness.html
Christopher J. H. Wright, Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness (2017)
