Fruit of Spirit – Kindness

Prayer – Lord, I want to be kind to others—just as You were and are.  

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

 

Meditate. Consider the attribute of kindness.

 

Rocks marking the path.
A sign of kindness.
Utah 

Kindness is a virtue that is characterized by good and charitable behavior with a pleasant disposition and concern for others. The act of kindness shows a loving attitude towards others. It is beneficial to both the one giving and the one receiving the kindness and results in contentment and relaxation. Ahhh. Good definition. I think that God is the source of kindness. He is the example for us at both extremes. The fulfillment and the absence of kindness. In the verse below, Paul is addressing God’s relationship to His chosen people, the Jews. Those who didn’t believe were cut off from the main olive plant, and believing Gentiles were grafted into the tree. Read Romans 11 in context for more understanding. This is still so very relevant for today. It is always best to read scripture in context. Paul explains some of the Jewish history using examples of Old Testament scripture throughout this chapter. We need to continue to keep our eyes on Israel as God is not finished with them yet.

Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed (Jews), but kind to you (Gentiles) if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. Romans 11:22 NLT

God’s hope for us is that we become like His Son, Jesus Christ. In doing that we need to become kind to others, as Jesus was. Consider the kindness and compassion of our Lord. Can we be as loving, forgiving, and accepting as He was? Only by our choice and with His help.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:10-13 NLT (Underlined for emphasis.)

Solomon, is his wisdom which came from the Lord, advices his reader—including us to hang on tight to kindness. It has a great value.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 3:3 NLT

A good challenge for each of us. Seek God, His wisdom, and kindness—and not only hang onto them, but use them to serve others for God.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 NLT

 

© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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