We Need It: Kindness

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). That means genuine believers become kinder as we live according to God’s Spirit (Romans 8:5).

It's easy to be kind to the people who treat us well. But God’s Spirit enables us to be kind to those who don't. 

Paul talks about exhibiting kindness in the midst of troubles, hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, and riots (2 Corinthians 6:3-10). 

And God gives us a sacrificial, unbiased example to follow:

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit…” Titus 3:4-5  

When we’re judgmental, hypocritical, or ungodly, we “show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience” because “God's kindness is intended to lead [us] to repentance” (Romans 2:4).

Romans 12 is a chapter that encompasses a number of elements of Christian faith, but it might also be called a "long description" of Christian kindness. Let’s read through it this week and consider the passages below, asking God to give us kinder hearts.

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💙Beyond 1-minute for those who want more:

Scriptures about kindness

1. God's kindness

A beautiful description of God's kindness toward His people:

Hosea 11:4: "I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them." 

Christ is an expression of God's kindness:

Ephesians 2:6-7: "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

God's kindness includes justice:

Romans 11:22: "Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off." 

2. Kindness in our lives

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22-23: "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 part of healthy fellowship:

Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." 

Colossians 3:12: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Godly rebukes are kindness:

Psalms 141:5: "Let a righteous man strike me--that is a kindness; let him rebuke me--that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers." 

Read about some biblical acts of kindness:

A Saint's Life: about a man who grew to love the man who murdered his father.

He Overcame Evil: about a man born into slavery who returned good for evil.

The Forgiveness of a Mistreated Slave: about another man enslaved when slavery was no longer legal in the U.S.

Don't Give Up: about a woman who gave her life to save the lives of thousands of unwanted children.

Their Love Destroyed His Hatred: about a man who became a Christian because of the love of those he murdered. 

Bible Love Notes