Kindness is one of the 9 virtues which is mentioned as part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 says: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, selfless and considerate towards others. Kindness can also be defined simply as compassion in action.
Kindness is acting for the good of people whether the people deserve it or not and without particularly judging them.
The word kindness comes from the Greek word chrestotes (khray-stot-ace). Anyone who demonstrated this quality of chrestotes was considered to be compassionate, considerate, sympathetic, humane, kind, or gentle.
God’s love and compassion for people caused Him to act in kindness, even towards the people who didn’t deserve it.
Titus 3:4-6 says: But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Romans 2:4 NLT says: Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Psalm 36:7 says: How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
Jesus Christ expressed compassion and in His kindness Christ gave without expecting back. His kindness was motivated by love. 1 Corinthians 13:4 says that love is kind.
Matthew 14:14 NJKV says: And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
When Jesus went about healing and helping all those who needed Him, Jesus did not judge the people, nor decide whether the people deserved His help or not. Jesus would see a need and then He would meet it.
Matthew 5:45-46 NKJV says: “… for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
God’s kindness does not discriminate. Everyone needs God whether they know it or not. God continues to provide people’s needs whether people love Him or not.
Therefore kindness is a virtue that reflects the nature and character of God and it is a characteristic that must also be evident in our own life as we are led by the Holy Spirit.
We live in a world where people’s love for one another has grown cold. People have become more selfish, more greedy, more self-centred and narcissistic.
However despite the growing depravity in this fallen world, Christians need the help of the Holy Spirit to enable us to shine as lights and glorify God, through our individual acts of kindness.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Inspired Walk is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and providing a Biblical defense for the Christian faith. This ministry also seeks to provide answers to curious questions and alternative topics from a Biblical worldview. Read More ...
