Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Kindness is second on the list of how love is expressed in 1 Corinthians 13:4, but it shows up in the fifth spot of the “Fruit of the Spirit”. On the surface, kindness may seem like something that is pretty ordinary. But when you start to really think about it, kindness is remarkable and inspiring.
The dictionary defines kindness as: the practice of being or the capability to be sympathetic and compassionate.
That definition does not fully capture the meaning of the word in the Greek, “chrestos”.
The word derives from a verb meaning “to take into use” and has the basic sense of “excellent,” “serviceable,” or “useful.” It refers to something that is well suited for its purpose.
All of this is included in what the Bible refers to as “kindness.” It is more than a sweet disposition, it is also a serving and useful trait as well.
Jesus is as always our model for life and ministry and He models kindness to us. He understands our weakness:
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Jesus walked in our shoes so He can relate to us. Jesus will be gentle and kind to you because He knows why you are struggling. You can come to Him when you struggle!
When we understand other people and can walk in their shoes, we will treat them with kindness also.
I like to think of kindness as love in action.
Luke 10:30-37 (NIV)
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
The Good Samaritan went out of his way to help this person in need. Being kind will often include us going out of our way. You never know when your kindness could change the life of another person. Theologian William Barclay once said, “More people have been brought into the church by the kindness of real Christian love than by all the theological arguments in the world”.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
