Morning Y'all! I pray this post encourages you and gives God glory! Got suggested topics you want me to write about? Please comment below or email me at info@mocatoday.com.
It's Week 5 of the Fruit of the Spirit 5Ws series and this week we're reviewing the fifth fruit kindness. My prayer is that we learn how God biblically defines His fruit, how to express His fruit in our lives, and how to practically walk by the Spirit so we don't gratify the desires of our flesh (Galatians 5:16).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
Fruit of the Spirit– Kindness
Who
Who can show kindness?
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God (Acts 2:38, 10:45) to glorify Jesus Christ (John 16:14) and only indwells in those that have:
Chosen to make Jesus Christ their personal Lord and Savior (John 14:26)
Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins
Believe Jesus Christ resurrected three days later
Therefore, who can show kindness, a fruit of the Holy Spirit?
Answer:
True believers and followers of Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit only indwells in them.
What
What is kindness?
The Bible has much to say about kindness! First, it's only sourced by the Holy Spirit. In other words, there is no kindness, as God defines it, apart from the Holy Spirit. Second, it's a choice– a selfless deliberate action, not an emotion or feeling. Third, it reflects the heart of God and describes the state or quality of being kind. Kind is defined as being caring, tenderhearted, and compassionate towards others all while upholding righteousness and not expecting anything in return.
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. ~Matthew 7:12 (ESV)
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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. ~Titus 3:4-5 (ESV)
Other reference scriptures: Matthew 5:7, Acts 20:35, Romans 15:2-5, Ephesians 4:32, Philippians 2:3-4, Colossians 3:13, 1 Peter 3:8, 1 Peter 4:8, 2 Peter 1:7, 1 John 3:17
When
When should we demonstrate kindness?
While the world embraces random acts of kindness, God desires kindness becomes who we are.
When the Spirit works in us, we begin doing kind deeds because we are kind. There is no hypocrisy involved. The Spirit changes our hearts and thereby changes our actions. ~Compellingtruth.org
We should demonstrate kindness daily. It should become our way of living– a lifestyle of kindness.
Our daily lives should serve as a ministry of kindness to all of humanity, without distinction for station in life. ~Lifehopeandtruth.com
Where
Where is kindness applicable?
As mentioned above, Biblical kindness (powered by the Holy Spirit) should become who we are and reflect daily choices we make towards others.
Throughout scripture, there are numerous demonstrations we can learn from:
Greatest example– Jesus Christ, who He is and what He did for us!
Joseph is another example of kindness, goodness, and reconciliation. (Genesis 37-50)
Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz (Book of Ruth)
Naomi told her daughter-in-law, “The Lord bless him! He has continued showing his kindness to the living as well as the dead.” Then Naomi told her daughter-in-law, “Boaz is one of our relatives. He is one of our protectors." ~Ruth 2:20 (ERV)
King David toward Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)
Shulamite woman and her husband toward Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-10)
Virtuous wife (Proverbs 31)
Samaritan in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Barnabas, whose name meant "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36)
Dorcas, a beloved woman who "was full of good works and charitable deeds" (Acts 9:36-39)
Why
Why is kindness important?
There are three main reasons:
To follow God's demonstration. As Christians, we know one of our goals is to become more like Him in how we think, act, and feel (2 Corinthians 5:20). Therefore, if God's nature is kindness and He demonstrates it to all, we are called to do the same.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. ~Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV)
Leads to repentance. Worldly kindness often glosses over, enables, or supports sin. Godly kindness, as the Bible defines it, has a much greater purpose– Leads us to repent and turn away from sin.
Or 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 (NIV)
Makes a difference in the world. Writer AnnMarie describes, "We have no clue what amazing things God can do with our acts of kindness. It could impact someone in ways we never know. One simple act of kindness could completely change someone’s perspective. An act of kindness can bring hope to someone who feels hopeless. Our acts of kindness can be a light in a world that is hostile and indifferent."
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
~Natasha
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