LEARNING DAILY

Galatian 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Pastor Winston Harris spoke on the fruit of kindness at NorthRock Church this weekend. In continuing the study on the Fruit of the Spirit, he restated what Jonathon Moore had said, “Fruit is the external proof of the invisible process of the Holy Spirit working inside us [the Believer]”. Pastor Harris continued, “Bearing fruit is the process of surrender to the Holy Spirit, not a performance we produce. God will take us through a process to produce fruit and that process may be uncomfortable at times.” The fruit of kindness is one result that comes from being led by the Holy spirit and staying connected to God (John 15:1-5).

One definition of biblical kindness given by Pastor Harris was, “sensitivity of the heart that allows you to love, love on display”. 1 Corinthians 13:4a states, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant”. Notice that love is “kind”. Biblical kindness goes beyond being polite; it involves acting for the good of others even when you will see no benefit in doing so.

Pastor Harris gave a second definition of kindness that related kindness to a soft-heartedness that changes the way we treat other people. Ephesians 4:32 continues with this thought. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” “It is about being aware of others in the room” (WH). Believers are to be “tenderhearted” or “compassionate” toward others when the need arises. “This attitude is less about manners, and more about one’s motives” (WH). Did you notice that being kind is not only expressing friendliness and helpfulness but reflects the unconditional grace of God, “forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” This reflection of kindness builds harmony in the body of Christ.

Pastor Harris pointed out that kindness is not just a character trait that Believers are to show others. Do not think that kindness is just a show of charity; it is to become a lifestyle that shows God’s love and compassion for those around us, and those in need. Showing kindness breaks down barriers that might heal wounds or bring understanding where differences occur. Kindness shows Jesus living inside of us.  Jesus said we are to be salt and light. Doing so can bring great changes with our family, with other Believers, and even with our enemies. Kindness “tells others that we are children of the Most High God, that we are children of the kingdom of God” (WH). Being kind may inspire others to show kindness to someone else.

Showing kindness, especially to our enemies may be difficult. It might not be so difficult to show kindness once in a while, but to maintain it…. That might be why it is one of the fruit of the Spirit! Pastor Harris suggested to “sit with the source of kindness!” In the Word of God, kindness is mentioned often. For example, kindness led God to provide for our salvation. Romans 2:4, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God 's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Think about how many times Jesus stopped what He was doing in order to help those in need. Read Psalm 24:2-3 to see the kindness of God leads Believers to green pastures, still waters, and restores them when they are weary. Remember that He will never leave nor forsake us! Is that not the attitude and lifestyle God wants each Believer to show others. Yes, that only comes by walking daily with Him and from being in His Word.