Kindness, a Fruit of the Spirit
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ”
Kindness is a one of those actions that is truly Christ-like, because its definition implies giving apart from receiving. Kindness is something we give to others, without necessarily receiving. Now, it is good if one reciprocates, but that is not necessary for kindness to have taken place. Michael Thompson, in his article “5 Simple Tips to Become a Kinder Person” provides some practical ways of offering kindness to those around us.
Thompson begins his recommendation with the simple act, “Start each day by doing something nice for someone.” This may be simple – but just imagine if everyone made a point of doing this even once, every day. His second request: “Give people a greeting that makes them smile.” One of the simplest acts of kindness is to make someone smile. I had a friend once that made it his purpose to make people smile. He didn’t make a scene, but simply found out enough about the people around him to make them feel comfortable. People seemed to appreciate his warmth and care.
Michael Thompson shared a couple other examples of kindness and then finished with “Be there for people when they fall.” Kindness is easy when other people feel happy and comfortable. Kindness is taken to a new level when it is done for others and it might even be painful. There are many people willing to give advice when someone is struggling, but the kind action is to be present with the person. It is an act of kindness to simply be with another. Kindness is less about advice and more about presence. Your time is its own act of kindness. With Thompson’s last recommendation, he moves from the simple, to the spiritually powerful.
Today, pray for God to open your heart to kindness. Move from Thompson’s first two simple kindness opportunities and seek to find a deeper form of kindness. Seek to offer kindness to those who are not used to it. Ask God to put people in your path who could use a smile, or appropriate attention. Move beyond the greeting, and help others feel worthy and acceptable. As you do this, the fruits of God’s spirit will come alive within you.
