This week I’m continuing a blog series on the fruit of the Spirit. I’m excited about this series and I’m believing God that we continue to be FRUITFUL! So this week let’s talk about The Fruit of the Spirit – Kindness.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.-Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

Kindness is something you don’t find much of these days. Being kind to people is not hard but it does take some thought. There are many opportunities to increase this fruit in our life. When you see a cashier checking you out at the grocery store, take a moment and be extra kind. It might be the only kindness they’ve experienced all week! How about to your spouse? How about those closest to you? Are you being kind? Sometimes the people closest to us get no kindness because of our familiarity. They know who we really are and maybe don’t expect the extra effort; but do it anyway! Those closest to us deserve the most kindness! I’ve seen and experienced this time and time again in the local church. Caution: I’m not ragging on the church, I’m a local church guy, but we have a tendency to be kind to outsiders whilst the insiders who are helping build the church get the least kindness. If you are a leader, it’s your duty to be kind to those who serve with you.

Being kind can diffuse tense situations. Most people react and with each interaction that continues, it heightens anger or frustration. When you take a moment and be kind, it can turn the whole thing around.

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you. -Proverbs 25:21-22 NKJV

Kindness isn’t a weakness, it’s understanding how to get the best outcome from those relationships and how to invest the most in those relationships. If I have experienced great customer service, have been on the phone with someone who is kind, I’m likely to continue with those people and conversations. Being around people who are sour is just no fun. I personally don’t have time for relationships like that. I want to have life-giving relationships! Even when confronting someone, you can do it with kindness.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. -Proverbs 25:11 ESV

Being kind starts in our hearts. I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t have the kindest thoughts towards some folks. This where kindness begins; in our hearts and our minds. If we aren’t genuine in those places, then our display of kindness is in vain.

The world has enough jerks to go around, let’s do our best not to be one.