THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS…KINDNESS

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith – Galatians 6:10

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…KINDNESS…” (Gal.5:22). Other Bible versions translate this as “Gentleness” – a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured, and refined in character and conduct” (Scofield). The word ‘kindness’ generally refers to the capacity and practice of being compassionate and sympathetic. The Bible meaning is deeper and richer. It derives from a verb meaning “to take into use” which has the basic sense of “excellent,” “serviceable,” or “useful” – something that is well suited for its purpose. With reference to people, to be kind is to be worthy, decent, and honest; when a person is all that he or she is supposed to be; when a human is humane!

In our highly-individualistic society, kindness may be one of the most underrated fruits, yet it could be quite remarkable in expression and impactful in manifestation. Exhibiting the fruit of kindness can literally transform the lives of those around us. According to William Barclay, “More people have been brought into the church by the kindness of real Christian love than by all the theological arguments in the world.” Kindness is more than just a sweet disposition; it is a serving and productive trait.

God is merciful and kind. He gives people blessings they don’t deserve; and He withholds punishment that is due. He is kind in thoughts, words, and deeds. Kindness relates to tender concern for others, and should not be misconstrued as weakness or lack of conviction. The genuine trait of a believer is to treat others as the Lord would treat them – with dignity and worth. Kindness is more than compassion. Exhibiting kindness to others affirms their sense of usefulness and worth; telling them that they are important enough for us to be inconvenienced by them or for us to give them special attention. David showed “the kindness of God” to Mephibosheth, thereby affirming the latter’s worth despite his physical disability (2Sam.9:1-13).

Abraham was kind to Lot (Gen.13:1-11). Joseph was kind to his brothers who had been unkind to him (Gen.50:18-21). Moses was kind to Aaron and Miriam though they rose up against him with accusation and rebellion (Num.12:1-13). Ruth was kind to Naomi even though it meant personal hardship (Ru.1:14-18). Kindness must manifest in every true minister of God: “a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all…” (2Tim.2:24). Christians are expected to “be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” and “to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, GENTLE, showing all humility to all men” (Eph.4:32; Tit.2:2). As demonstrated in the Samaritan’s story (Lk.10:30-37), kindness goes beyond attitude and emotion, it must manifest in action – that is the real fruit.