KINDNESS - Fruit of the Spirit

 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:31,32.

               Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. Kindness begins with simple acts of being tender hearted, caring and being compassionate to one another. Being kind to those who love us and kind to us is a no-brainer. But to strangers and who despise us, it’s difficult. But Bible shows us many examples of God’s kindness to undeserving and difficult people. And we Christians, are called to exhibit this Godly kindness in this world. 

              All kindness stems from the perfect example of kindness that is God. Jesus is the ultimate template and definition of kindness itself. In Titus 3:4 we read, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us...” When God provided a means of redemption through Jesus Christ, He did it with a heart of kind tenderness towards us. We didn’t need to earn His kindness, because we couldn’t earn it. But by God’s gracious kindness, He not only saved us for once, but He continues to restore our souls every day. God’s kindness towards us is unimaginable and cannot reach human minds. 

             When the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, He helps us and cultivates the quality of kindness in us. We learn from Jesus’ life that His kindness was often extended to the people that weren’t treated well, the sick, poor, and the social outcasts. Just like Jesus, we should practice the act of kindness everyday in our lives, praying and caring for the needy. It can be as small as a smile at a passing stranger or a comforting word to those who are broken. By this, we can continue to ripen our fruit of kindness in the footsteps of Jesus, who personified the greatest example of kindness.