Kindness is a beautiful quality of the spirit that makes an impressive statement about ourselves and the world at large. Can you envision our world if all its inhabitants practiced kindness towards each other with intention; being welcoming, generous, and considerate towards one another?
Kindness reflects Christ’s love for those around us while reflecting His character. Love cannot exist apart from kindness being shown towards one another: 1 Corinthians 13:4 states:
“love is patient and kind; it does not envy, boast, or be proud.“
In the Bible, we find numerous examples of kindness. One such story is that of the Good Samaritan. Jesus recounts this tale in Luke 10:25-37 when two religious leaders passed by a wounded man left for dead at the side of a road, only for an outcast Samaritan to step forward and show kindness towards him despite their dislike from other Jews – bandaging his wounds, taking him to an inn, and paying for his care – showing that true friendship knows no boundaries despite race, religion or social standing! This tale illustrates that kindness knows no boundaries – that love should extend toward all our neighbors irrespective of race religion or social status – who we should love equally regardless!
And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
– Luke 10:25-37
As Christians, we are called upon to show kindness towards everyone we encounter – not just those who share similar views with us. Although challenging, relying on God will cultivate this fruit of kindness within us. Ephesians 4:32 states our obligation as Christians:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.”
God shows His kindness toward us every day by meeting our daily needs and protecting us from danger, not because of anything we have done on our own but due to his unconditional love. Let’s be God’s ambassadors of kindness by spreading kindness across our world; Philippians 2:2-3 commands this.
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Kindness has the ability to soften hearts, heal wounds, and bring people together. It has the power to transform lives and change the world we live in – let us strive to reflect this fruit of the Holy Spirit in our own lives; when we show kindness toward others we plant seeds that will blossom for years and years after us.
Return to the Fruit of the Spirit Introduction or explore another aspect: