FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
By Pastor George Cortez
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
By Pastor George Cortez
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Kindness - English author John Burbidge writes, "Angry looks can do no good, and blows are dealt in blindness. Words are better understood if spoken but in kindness." The world sees kindness on a very basic, limited plane. Although kind words are important, true kindness is a gift from God, produced in us by the Holy Spirit and God wants to reproduce this character in us all.
The Greek word chrestotes is translated "kindness" and also "gentleness", which denotes goodness of heart, graciousness. Kindness has many synonyms: benevolence, generosity, mercy, charity, philanthropy, sympathy, compassion, tenderheartedness, friendliness. Kindness is a major attribute of moral excellence and is intricately entwined with the other fruits of the Spirit. so chrestotes is love in tender action, a quality of goodness, and certainly requires gentleness in word and in action.
In our human relationships, we want others to sacrifice themselves for us, yet it seems so hard to reciprocate the same toward others on a continual basis. Nevertheless, self-sacrifice is the essence of true Christianity, and we can begin by the kind use of the tongue.
The apostle Paul tells us to "be kind to one another", Peter says to "add brotherly kindness" to the other godly virtues God is developing in us. Living according to God's instruction, following the example of Christ and aided by the Holy Spirit, we produce the wonderful, spiritual fruit of kindness.
We can express Christian kindness in mercy, compassion and love toward others, but It also includes being zealously affectionate toward God and toward His children which include His church. Kindness is an action not a thought. As a farmer cannot sow and reap without action, neither can we merely "think" goodwill toward others – A kind action goes further than just a kind thought.
Kindness is goodness in action, goodness of heart expressing itself in deeds. Tenderness, grace, mercy, compassion – Self-sacrificing tender action on behalf of others – This is truly being like Jesus.
In most cases, kindness is not beyond any of us, because it usually costs no money. It may take the sacrifice of time and energy. It may require the discipline to be thoughtful of others' needs and to make the effort to act. How much is required to cultivate smiling rather than frowning? to pay a visit? to say a word of encouragement or comfort? to show friendliness by warmly and sincerely shaking hands?
The consequences of kindness are incalculable, for such a spirit can ripple out to touch the lives of those far removed from the original act. Kindness sows the seeds that can only bear good fruit.
God's gracious gifts are unearned and unmerited, by us who have willingly sinned against Him, desecrated His beautiful creation and either ignored or neglected His awesome purpose. Despite this, His gifts of life are nonetheless unforced, an abundant manifestation of His kind nature. He does not return evil for evil; He does not bear grudges, burn with resentment or plot to get even. Rather, He freely gives even to evil doers while He patiently works toward the completion of His purpose! - It has always been this way. Despite the Israelites' manifold sins after their rescue from Egypt, He continued to provide food, water and protection all the way into the Promised Land. Once in the land, they continued their provocations for about another seven hundred years before He finally drove them into captivity. All the while He provided for them so abundantly that Israel became a very wealthy, albeit ungrateful, nation.
For their heart was not steadfast with Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath; for He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again.
Look at one of the most famous scriptures in the bible, John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
None of God's beneficence in any way means He approves of the conduct of sinful men, but rather it is a revelation of His nature that, despite men's wickedness, He has benevolent feelings toward them. He earnestly desires their happiness and is sincerely devoted to helping them make a success of life.
The whole world lies in wickedness, I John 5:19, and mankind is unable to extricate itself from it. Part of God's solution is to give a blessing, a gift, by which all the sins of humanity can be met and paid. Think of how much good fruit will be produced because of it! Can any kindness be greater than this? Absolutely not! But it does set a clear standard and pattern of conduct for us to exemplify in our lives so we too can be seen as children of God.
Considering the attitude or spirit in which an act of mercy or kindness is done. We know that sometimes doing an act of kindness is difficult, let alone doing it in a warm and generous spirit. We need to remember that Jesus did it, and He gave us His Spirit to enable us but the choice is ours.
Galatians 6:9-10 - And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
We must follow The Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
