Galatians 5:22-23
“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!”
kind (kīnd);
1. Having or showing a friendly, generous, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature.
2. Agreeable or beneficial: a dry climate kind to asthmatics.
Kindness is a Godly attribute that we are to exhibit, however, it’s not always easy. We are simply not always kind; our human nature tends to be somewhat unpredictable at times. Kindness is very close to goodness, mercy, pity, love, grace, compassion, gentleness, and tenderness. Its’ meaning tends to overlap with these other attributes, yet it is specifically mentioned as a Fruit of the Spirit.
Some folks are naturally kind natured. Could be hereditary, passed down thru their parents. Could simply have a solid grasp regarding how to or how not to act or react to a given situation. Once again, it has a lot to do with what we focus on in this life. Are we allowing things like jealousy or spite to enter into our heart. Our hearts are the factories that produce our emotions. “The heart is often referred to as the core of our being, representing our innermost desires, emotions, and motives. It is the seat of our affections and serves as a guide for our actions. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’" [1]
God’s divine kindness is taught throughout Scripture. Psalm 145:9 says, “The Lord is good (kind) to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.” Luke 6:35 tells us to be kind to the ungrateful and wicked just as our Lord is. Romans 2:4 tells us God’s kindness is for leading one to repentance. “God's kindness is seen in his deliverance of the believer from affliction, fear, and trouble.” “God's kindness is manifest in the full salvation that comes through Christ (1 Peter 2:3).”
“As humans, we are to love kindness and exhibit both mercy and kindness. Yet human imitation of God's kindness does not come naturally. In fact, ultimately no one is kind. It is only as the fruit of God's Spirit that kindness can be a consistent part of the believer's experience.” [2]
Next we will take a look at goodness. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
[1] https://johnbaptistchurch.org/biblical-meaning-concepts/heart-soul-and-mind
[2] https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/kindness/
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” – Luke 6:35
“…do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” – Romans 2:4
“…now that you have tasted that the Lord is good (kind).”- 1 Peter 2:3
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