KINDNESS
In Galatians 5:22, the Apostle Paul provides a list of personal qualities produced in the life of those who follow Jesus Christ. He calls these the “fruit of the spirt.” When we are connected to God through faith in Jesus Christ, these qualities are planted in our lives and grow to maturity
The fifth of these fruit is KINDNESS. The Greek word Paul used we translate as “kindness.” It could also be translated as “goodness of heart.” It carries with it the idea of graciousness, civility and forbearance. Kindness is treating the other person as a person with as much importance as ourselves. It is offering cold water to those who are parched with thirst, turning the other cheek, and going the extra mile.
When we live a life fully connected with God, the Holy Spirit produces kindness in us. The Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out so that we become more aware and sensitive to the needs of others around us, until we feel an overwhelming, loving, compulsion to reach out to others in helpful ways.
The Good Samaritan demonstrated kindness by offering assistance to the man who fell among robbers and was lying on the side of the road. He went and bandaged the man, put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn and provided for his further care even though the injured man was a stranger to him and a person from another religion and race.
KINDNESS, as a fruit of the spirit, is more than just an emotional response. Kindness starts with recognizing the needs of others around us and being moved by what we see but it also involves taking action on behalf of others.
When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on to still more people. When we practice kindness, we are drawing upon a strength and power that comes from God.
Kindly,
Pastor Steve