Grace Notes – Gracious Fruit…Kindness

     “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 NASB

Grace Perspective: 

     Kindness, a section of the fruit of the Spirit that is delicately sweet. Kindness combines mercy with compassion. It’s considering what others need and seeking to show the loving-kindness of God.

      Jesus modeled kindness for us as He cared for the sick, the weary, those with hearts broken by sin, and those blind to their sin. Our Savior healed many who were ill, blind, and deaf. He had compassion for those who were hungry, hurting, and in need. (See Matthew 5 & 6)

     Jesus also showed kindness when He spoke hard truth to those who refused to see that He was the Son of God, those who were blinded by pride and selfish motives. (See Mathew 12:22-37) Jesus had compassion even on those who rejected Him, persecuted Him, and crucified Him, for He cried out from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

       Our Father in Heaven gives us gracious kindness day by day so we may show kindness to others as He asks us to do. 

                 “He has told you, O man, what is good;

                   and what does the LORD require of you

                   but to do justice, and to love kindness,

                   and to walk humbly with your God?”

                                   Micah 6:8

  A Touch of Grace: 

    How has the Lord shown you kindness?

    How can you show kindness towards others today?

  Grace Application: 

    Kindness, what do you think of when you hear this word? Kindness can be shown in so many ways. We can show kindness by helping someone carry groceries to their car or preparing a meal for someone who is sick. We can encourage someone with a kind word or thoughtful text, letting them know they are loved. Compassion shows up when we take time to listen to someone who is struggling with hurt, discouragement, disappointment, or life in general. 

      We also show kindness when we speak loving truth to someone who is about to make a choice that will bring pain. For example, I definitely want someone to tell me if I’m about to walk in front of a car because I’m foolishly looking at my phone instead of the street. It may hurt if I’m jerked by the arm to keep me from being hit by a vehicle, but a bruise is far better than broken bones or worse. And I pray someone will kindly show me if I’m not walking with the Lord.

     Kindness is a part of the fruit of the Spirit that needs to be savored and shared each day. It becomes even sweeter as we show kindness to others. Today, look around you and see who will benefit from a taste of just how good the Lord is. Scripture reminds us that because we are in Christ Jesus, we need to show “…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Prayer

   Gracious Father, I come to You In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful for Your kindness that saved me from Hell. Your loving kindness sustains me each day and reminds me of Your abiding love. Forgive me when I am unkind to others. Help me share the fruit of compassion so those around me to see Your love for them. Amen 

 **Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**