Not-So-Random Kindness
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Galatians
5:22-23
Scripture tells us that when we become a
follower of Christ, there will be obvious signs of the Holy Spirit living in
us. The analogy of “fruit” is used deliberately here. For fruit to grow, a
plant must be healthy and nurtured…sun, rain and environment all work together
in the plant to produce a fruit. The fruit can then be given to others to
provide nourishment.
One of the fruits Christ-followers are to bear is kindness. This seems basic enough on the surface. Most people would likely describe themselves as kind. Kindness in the English language is synonymous with generosity, charity, compassion or benevolence. Some of us have even participated in “Random Acts of Kindness.”
But Christian kindness is more than just individual acts or doing a good deed a day. It is a constant attitude that puts feet to our faith by reaching out to others’ needs and assists them. It is greater than politeness and good manners, or just not being mean to another person. Christian kindness feels personal to the recipient. It speaks of compassion and tender-heartedness. “Kindness is sensitive and respectful of other's feelings, considerate of their perspective, thoughtful about taking the initiative to tenderly address the welfare of another.” (1)
Kindness is a natural product of a healthy follower of Christ. Nourish someone else today…on purpose!
GOING DEEPER:
1. If someone was looking for an example of kindness, could they look to you?
2. As you dwell on the kindness aspect of the fruit of the Spirit today, look to the example Christ set for us in demonstrating kindness.
FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 4:23-24; Colossian 3:12
One of the fruits Christ-followers are to bear is kindness. This seems basic enough on the surface. Most people would likely describe themselves as kind. Kindness in the English language is synonymous with generosity, charity, compassion or benevolence. Some of us have even participated in “Random Acts of Kindness.”
But Christian kindness is more than just individual acts or doing a good deed a day. It is a constant attitude that puts feet to our faith by reaching out to others’ needs and assists them. It is greater than politeness and good manners, or just not being mean to another person. Christian kindness feels personal to the recipient. It speaks of compassion and tender-heartedness. “Kindness is sensitive and respectful of other's feelings, considerate of their perspective, thoughtful about taking the initiative to tenderly address the welfare of another.” (1)
Kindness is a natural product of a healthy follower of Christ. Nourish someone else today…on purpose!
GOING DEEPER:
1. If someone was looking for an example of kindness, could they look to you?
2. As you dwell on the kindness aspect of the fruit of the Spirit today, look to the example Christ set for us in demonstrating kindness.
FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 4:23-24; Colossian 3:12
(1) © 1999 James A. Fowler,
Christ in You Ministries
Along
with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn serves Oakwood
Church in Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls, and is
the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
