 This week’s topic in the Fruit of the Spirit Series is kindness. This word is thrown around a lot these days as everyone is struggling just trying to get through the day sometimes. Kindness is a choice but it can also be abundant. How can we be kind not just in single moments but also make kindness a part of our character? The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I gave you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3) The definition of unfailing is, “not failing; not giving way; not falling short of expectation; completely dependable”.
God gifts us with a kindness that IS completely dependable and unfailing. Since He models the way then I know He would be smiling if this was something we practiced. We should accept, acknowledge, and appreciate that God gives us gifts and then pay those gifts forward. “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” (Psalm 63:3) This verse is part of a worship song from years ago. It’s a catchy tune and becomes an ear bug! Kindness, as a fruit of the spirit, does become implanted into who we are and what we reflect to others. Unexpected kindness toward someone can result in them feeling joy like it is Christmas morning! When we are kind to others, we also feel blessed ourselves. Have you ever been in a drive thru when there starts to be a wave of people paying for the food of the car behind them? A simple random act of kindness can become contagious bringing a wave of shock, happiness, and initiate “paying it forward”. A small investment of money, time, and energy can impact the life of someone truly struggling. It may just be the very thing that helps them to take one more step forward in life and closer to Jesus Christ. There are times an act of kindness is as simple as a smile or a word spoken in a kind tone of voice. Kindness is being present with someone who is hurting and showing up even though they do not in that moment even know what they need. The famous phrase of “let me know what I can do to help” needs to be replaced with showing up and saying “I am here and going to do this for you”. God is KIND to us even when we don’t deserve it. Jesus died on the cross for our sins because of dependable and unfailing love. During the course of any given day we may feel anger, hurt, disappointment, or just be exhausted. This can result in responses to others that are not kind. Jesus instructs in Matthew 5: 28-29, that an eye for an eye mentality is NOT ok. We are in fact instructed scripturally to go the extra mile and not just give a coat to someone in need, but take that extra step to make it special and throw in a cloak! If all the other instructions in Matthew 5 were not clear Jesus puts lazer focus on the topic of kindness in verse 44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matthew 5:44) What will you do kind today to someone you have grown inpatient with? Can you think of a time when you felt God’s grace and kindness even when you felt undeserving? Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your gifts of kindness. Thank you for the gift of grace you give me every day as I walk imperfectly In this world. Help me to always remember your instruction of being kind to others and going the extra mile without hesitation! In Jesus precious name, Amen Heather Lynch and Kim Carroll
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