But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
Good morning. We are halfway through our current sermon series on “The Fruit of the Spirit”. We have learned that, as believers, we are called to display this fruit in our lives. It is produced supernaturally by the Holy Spirit who abides within us and who works to conform us into the image of Christ.
The fruit of the Spirit contains 9 nutrients, or virtues. Thus far, we have discussed the first 4 of them. Before we begin today’s sermon let’s play a simple game to review. I am going to give you one of the 4 attributes we’ve already covered in Greek and see if you can tell me which it is in English. Your choices are love, joy, peace, and patience.
Chara, Makrothumia, Agape, Eirene (Answer: Joy, Patience, Love, Peace)
Excellent! Many of you remembered. Way to go! This morning we will proceed with a message about the 5th nutrient in the fruit of the Spirit. Our topic will be kindness.
I. KINDNESS DEFINED
Kindness means to be “merciful, sweet, and tender”. It is an eagerness to put others at ease. Kindness is a sweet and attractive temperament that shows friendly regard. One of the definitions I read this week is: “Disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent; benignant.” The original Greek word used in the New Testament for kindness is chrestotes.
Kindness and niceness are sometimes thought of as the same thing, but kindness is a stronger virtue than niceness. When we are nice to others, it is generally expressed superficially through words or gestures, such as compliments or well-wishes. Niceness can be compared to politeness. Kindness, however, involves a greater act of mercy or benevolence. Kindness requires doing something, getting involved, and/or trying to help in some way. For example, a nice person might say they're sorry that you're sick, while a kind person makes you soup and brings you medicine.
Kindness is an expression of love. In fact, these 2 characteristics are so similar that they are often combined to form the compound word “lovingkindness”. The commitment to love others motivates and serves as the basis for performing acts of kindness on their behalf. I have heard it said that faith is belief in action. In the same way, I would argue that kindness is love in action.
II. KINDNESS EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
Jesus showed kindness towards others throughout His earthly ministry. On multiple occasions He stopped what He was doing in order to help people in need. He acted with kindness and compassion when He fed the 5,000 with just a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:14). He showed kindness by miraculously healing many who were sick and/or demon-possessed, such as blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). He modeled kindness by forgiving those who abused and wronged Him (Luke 23:24). Jesus was kind to everyone, in both word and deed, including those who were ungrateful and evil (Luke 6:35).
Jesus also exemplified His kindness toward sinners by making salvation possible. He gave His life sacrificially to pay the debt of sin, so that all who receive Him would be saved. His kindness was not based upon our righteousness, but rather upon God’s mercy. Those who repent a turn to Jesus in faith are reborn through the cleansing power of His blood and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-5).
Not only has God shown us kindness to humanity through the saving work of Jesus Christ, but He intends to continue showing it throughout all eternity. God has already raised Christians up spiritually (at the point of their salvation) and will someday raise them up physically (at the point of their glorification). These resurrected Christians will be seated in heavenly places with Jesus (and reign with Him) and will be the recipients of God’s incomparable riches of grace through Christ (Ephesians 2:6-7).
III. OTHER EXAMPLES OF KINDNESS
Besides Jesus, there are numerous other people in the Bible who demonstrated kindness. Rather than return to her own country, family, and friends, Ruth chose to go to Israel with her aging mother-in-law Naomi and to take care of her (Ruth 1:8). She is a great example of both loyalty and kindness, and an inspiration for those who have elderly parents.
Tabitha, also called Dorcas, was a kind and charitable seamstress who made clothing for the widows of Joppa (Acts 9:36). When she died, many of them came to weep and mourn her passing. Peter, who was ministering nearby, received word of her death and came to the city. God performed a miracle through him and brought Tabitha back to life. She was held in high regard by the people of Joppa because of her incredible kindness (Proverbs 11:16-17, NIV).
After Saul and his sons were killed by the Philistines, King David showed kindness to his only remaining grandson Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, who had been David’s dearest friend. Mephibosheth had crippled feet from an injury he sustained as a boy. Nevertheless, David took him in and provided for him for the remainder of his life (2 Samuel 9:7).
CONCLUSION
Scripture teaches us to be kind to one another, forgiving, and tenderhearted, just as God is kind to us (Ephesians 4:32). We are to extend God’s grace and mercy to others by displaying His kindness in our lives. Those who exhibit such kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor (Proverbs 21:21).
There is a close relationship between certain attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. I see some overlap in the meanings of peace, patience, and self-control. So also, I see a degree of overlap in the meanings of love, kindness, goodness, and gentleness. These virtues contain some common elements, and work together like a collection of vitamins to strengthen and edify the believer.
Next week we will discuss goodness. Make plans to join us, either in person or online, as we continue our study on the fruit of the Spirit. God bless you.
Good morning. We are halfway through our current sermon series on “The Fruit of the Spirit”. We have learned that, as believers, we are called to display this fruit in our lives. It is produced supernaturally by the Holy Spirit who abides within us and who works to conform us into the image of Christ.
The fruit of the Spirit contains 9 nutrients, or virtues. Thus far, we have discussed the first 4 of them. Before we begin today’s sermon let’s play a simple game to review. I am going to give you one of the 4 attributes we’ve already covered in Greek and see if you can tell me which it is in English. Your choices are love, joy, peace, and patience.
Chara, Makrothumia, Agape, Eirene (Answer: Joy, Patience, Love, Peace)
Excellent! Many of you remembered. Way to go! This morning we will proceed with a message about the 5th nutrient in the fruit of the Spirit. Our topic will be kindness.
I. KINDNESS DEFINED
Kindness means to be “merciful, sweet, and tender”. It is an eagerness to put others at ease. Kindness is a sweet and attractive temperament that shows friendly regard. One of the definitions I read this week is: “Disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent; benignant.” The original Greek word used in the New Testament for kindness is chrestotes.
Kindness and niceness are sometimes thought of as the same thing, but kindness is a stronger virtue than niceness. When we are nice to others, it is generally expressed superficially through words or gestures, such as compliments or well-wishes. Niceness can be compared to politeness. Kindness, however, involves a greater act of mercy or benevolence. Kindness requires doing something, getting involved, and/or trying to help in some way. For example, a nice person might say they're sorry that you're sick, while a kind person makes you soup and brings you medicine.
Kindness is an expression of love. In fact, these 2 characteristics are so similar that they are often combined to form the compound word “lovingkindness”. The commitment to love others motivates and serves as the basis for performing acts of kindness on their behalf. I have heard it said that faith is belief in action. In the same way, I would argue that kindness is love in action.
II. KINDNESS EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
Jesus showed kindness towards others throughout His earthly ministry. On multiple occasions He stopped what He was doing in order to help people in need. He acted with kindness and compassion when He fed the 5,000 with just a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:14). He showed kindness by miraculously healing many who were sick and/or demon-possessed, such as blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). He modeled kindness by forgiving those who abused and wronged Him (Luke 23:24). Jesus was kind to everyone, in both word and deed, including those who were ungrateful and evil (Luke 6:35).
Jesus also exemplified His kindness toward sinners by making salvation possible. He gave His life sacrificially to pay the debt of sin, so that all who receive Him would be saved. His kindness was not based upon our righteousness, but rather upon God’s mercy. Those who repent a turn to Jesus in faith are reborn through the cleansing power of His blood and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-5).
Not only has God shown us kindness to humanity through the saving work of Jesus Christ, but He intends to continue showing it throughout all eternity. God has already raised Christians up spiritually (at the point of their salvation) and will someday raise them up physically (at the point of their glorification). These resurrected Christians will be seated in heavenly places with Jesus (and reign with Him) and will be the recipients of God’s incomparable riches of grace through Christ (Ephesians 2:6-7).
III. OTHER EXAMPLES OF KINDNESS
Besides Jesus, there are numerous other people in the Bible who demonstrated kindness. Rather than return to her own country, family, and friends, Ruth chose to go to Israel with her aging mother-in-law Naomi and to take care of her (Ruth 1:8). She is a great example of both loyalty and kindness, and an inspiration for those who have elderly parents.
Tabitha, also called Dorcas, was a kind and charitable seamstress who made clothing for the widows of Joppa (Acts 9:36). When she died, many of them came to weep and mourn her passing. Peter, who was ministering nearby, received word of her death and came to the city. God performed a miracle through him and brought Tabitha back to life. She was held in high regard by the people of Joppa because of her incredible kindness (Proverbs 11:16-17, NIV).
After Saul and his sons were killed by the Philistines, King David showed kindness to his only remaining grandson Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, who had been David’s dearest friend. Mephibosheth had crippled feet from an injury he sustained as a boy. Nevertheless, David took him in and provided for him for the remainder of his life (2 Samuel 9:7).
CONCLUSION
Scripture teaches us to be kind to one another, forgiving, and tenderhearted, just as God is kind to us (Ephesians 4:32). We are to extend God’s grace and mercy to others by displaying His kindness in our lives. Those who exhibit such kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor (Proverbs 21:21).
There is a close relationship between certain attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. I see some overlap in the meanings of peace, patience, and self-control. So also, I see a degree of overlap in the meanings of love, kindness, goodness, and gentleness. These virtues contain some common elements, and work together like a collection of vitamins to strengthen and edify the believer.
Next week we will discuss goodness. Make plans to join us, either in person or online, as we continue our study on the fruit of the Spirit. God bless you.