VATIC Expressions
Truth, Transparency, Transformation
The Fruit of Kindness
by Laura Frohmader
What comes to mind when you hear the word “kindness?” I think of deeds done to someone else out of the goodness of one’s heart. Those deeds are usually done whether the recipient deserves them or not. Kindness comes from the heart and must truly be a fruit of the Spirit, for evil people are seldom kind. When evil people do something nice, it’s usually attached to an ulterior motive.
I found various examples of kindness in the Bible. In Genesis 50 we see that Joseph did not return evil for evil, but was truly kind to his brothers even after their father died. He treated them well and forgave them. Moses was kind to the daughters of Reuel (Exodus 2). He came to their rescue when shepherds drove them away from a well. He also drew water for them and watered their flock. Through this kind deed, Moses found a wife.
Another love story of kindness is found in Ruth 2. Boaz is kind to Ruth, letting her glean in his fields generously. They eventually married. We must also remember Ruth’s kindness to Naomi, helping her in her widowhood. Out of the marriage of Boaz and Ruth came their great-grandson, kind David. He asked, “Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” (2 Samuel 9:3). The one he showed kindness to was Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth. Notice that David said he wanted to share God’s kindness.
A more famous story of kindness is the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10). The Jews despised the Samaritans, yet here was one who gave of his own money and time to save the victim’s life, to the shame of the Priest and Levite who tried not to notice the man in need. Another touching story of healing wounds is found in Acts 16. The jailer took Paul and Silas to wash their wounds since they had been beaten and flogged. This resulted in the jailer and his family being saved. Paul and his fellow travelers were also shown kindness by the inhabitants of the island of Malta when they were shipwrecked. (Acts 28)
These acts of kindness show a heart for Christ. We desire to be kind because Jesus lives in our heart. It is an act of thankfulness to Jesus for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. In this we fulfill Romans 12:10, “Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.” This will lead us to doing what it says in Colossians 3:12-14, “Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity.”
All Bible quotes are from the Holmen Christian Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.
May this article bless you and the Holy Spirit speak to you of His Truth.
© 2016 Laura Frohmader