Kindness is an action, a decision, and choice that each species on this Planet has been proven to exhibit. It can be accomplished by a verbal or physical action, but what else is kindness? It is classified as one of the Fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-26 and it is surprisingly FREE!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

If one analyzes verses 19-21 they can observe the laundry list of fleshly acts depicted where “…the works of the flesh are evident…” These fleshly acts are anything from “selfish ambitions” to “murder” and so forth. There is a comparison here showing that what works or actions are from the heart will grow and manifest into either the “works of the flesh” or the “fruit of the spirit” category. Now from this anecdote in Galatians it shows that those whose hearts and actions are in the “works of the flesh” category will NOT be able to inherit the New Kingdom.

There are many reminders throughout scripture to be kind to one another, because after all it is revealed in the Two Greatest Commandments Christ uttered. The second being to “love each other” and in Ephesians 4:32 we see that reiterated:

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Proverbs 11:17 has a wise saying that shows how kindness will do wonders for the soul and the opposite ill occur for being unkind:

“A man who is kind does himself good, but the cruel does harm to himself.”

Another wise quote from Proverbs 15:1 says:

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Now with all of this said, there is another key element to all of this…the power of words and actions. Many are aware that words are very powerful, as are deeds. Even if it is one nice gesture to another it is like planting a seed of kindness. A bet could be placed that 9 out of 10 times if someone was walking down the street and they were complimented, or the door was held for that person would they not smile and perhaps acknowledge that act as kindness? If that act was acknowledged and received by that individual they may do something of kindness for another in return. It’s like the concept of the gift that keeps on giving, or paying it forward. What a person does and says can make or break another physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Knowing these principles, being kind whether in word or deed is easy and free. It boils down to whether or not one will CHOOSE and ACT out of kindness. By choosing and acting according to the fruits of the spirit, one knows that they are able to attain the Kingdom of God, but if the works of the flesh are entertained it may be a sign that selfishness has overcome and selfLESSness will not be able to shine through. Realize the more the fruits of the spirit are practiced, the more the Two Greatest Commandments of loving God and each other will be promoted, and those seeds planted will hopefully grow for others to follow by example and create love and unity in this hurting world. Spread the Spirit of Kindness and watch it grow!

Weekly Challenge:

Reflect and recall any times in life where kindness was attributed to you. Did you stop and thank God for that blessing and in return be a blessing to others? If you feel people are not nice to you, try being kind even if it is not deserved because as it says in Proverbs 15:1 those kind words can help others not be unkind and by spreading the kindness it can blossom into glorious fruit. Recognize that some soil may be a bit drier and it may need more kindness watered over it before it begins to grow, but don’t give up and keep moving forward!