The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

Do you want to know what the Fruit of the Spirit is and how it can apply to your life? Do you desire to understand its biblical importance? Then join us below as we answer these and other questions and learn about one of the attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit that is kindness!

The Fruit of the Spirit:

In Galatians 5:22-23 we find a list of nine attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit which are developed within us as we live according to the Holy Spirit—living in alignment with God’s will and character. These are:

  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Longsuffering
  • Kindness
  • Goodness
  • Faithfulness
  • Gentleness
  • Self-control

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”—Galatians 5:22-23

Yet, what do these mean for our lives, and what does the Word say about them?

The Fruit of the Spirit, Kindness

Fifth in this list of the Fruit of the Spirit is “kindness.” Yet, out of all the attributes listed, the word, “kindness,” is one of the least mentioned throughout the Word—only 44 times in the New King James version. However, this is in no way an indication of its lacking in importance. No. The character of Kindness is a Godly attribute that none should live without—and none of us desire for our God to lack toward us… 

“…now may the Lord show kindness and truth to you…”—2 Samuel 2:6

Yet, what is kindness? Well, kindness means many things to many people. Sometimes it’s viewed as the action of being kind or doing a good deed. Perhaps even treating someone in a particularly nice or polite way. However, the kindness the world gives is fleeting and often conditional. 

Only Godly kindness can surpass all; the sort which we can find only through the Holy Spirit, straight from the heart of God!

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”—Ephesians 4:32

Still, what does kindness like that found in Ephesians 4:32 mean for us? Well, it means that kindness is directly connected to forgiveness, and that, as a result, we are to walk in both kindness and forgiveness. After all, Jesus Himself came to save us—to provide forgiveness—out of His love and kindness. To redeem us to Himself and restore us to a pre-Garden state; one where we are like Him. 

It is an important reason for us to want to walk in the kindness only God can and did give… and we are expected to walk in that kindness.

In Colossians 3:12-17 we are given many characteristics which we are expected to possess as ‘one new man in Christ.’ Of these, many coincide with the nine listed in Galatians 5, including the character of kindness—further showing along with them all, the quality of agape love that binds them all together.

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another… even as Christ forgave you… But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another… with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”—Colossians 3:12-17

prayer request

Walk in Kindness

So, we understand in a fuller way the importance of kindness, but how do we walk in it? What is the first step toward not only walking in it in certain situations, but continually?!

Well, as with all of the Spirit’s fruit, the first and best step is developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit: listening to Him, loving Him, talking with Him… 

All of us are familiar with God in His role as our Father, and as our Messiah through Jesus, but there is a unique reason the Holy Spirit has been placed inside of us—Jesus also required the Holy Spirit in His time on earth, as did the prophets—and this is because God is not three persons, but one. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… the three-in-one.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”—John 14:26

We are made in the image of God AND are blessed to have His Holy Spirit inside us as our teacher and guide. Therefore, why do we not seek Him, listen to Him, and accept His work of developing these nine characteristics—not forgetting kindness—which ultimately make us more like our God: our Father, our Messiah, and our Holy Spirit.

Through prayer and time spent in the Word of God we create an open door within us for the Holy Spirit to enter and move through. In listening to the Holy Spirit we create a pattern of action and behavior that brings us closer to our God and in deeper relationship with Jesus our Savior. And out of that we bring Heaven to earth. We do as we were commanded to do. To be a light in an ever darkening world.

Therefore, let us walk with the Holy Spirit and in doing so, walk in kindness. Godly kindness with compassion, mercy, and the love of God.

“So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm.”—Joel 2:13

Let us sow that which God has so richly poured out upon us. His kindness.

“…the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  that having been justified by His grace  we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

—Titus 3:4-7

Would you like to learn more about kindness? Then click HERE to discover how you can walk in kindness!

Would you like to give of the kindness God has given you? Then click HERE to discover how!

Would you like to partner with Curt Landry Ministries to bring love to those who need it most? Then click HERE to become a Covenant Partner!

Would you like to discover your Godly strengths? Then click HERE to find what God has put within you!

“…the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”—Matthew 25:37-40