Kindness is mentioned as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. The good news is that we can assume we have the Holy Spirit who will work through us, teaching us to display the type of kindness that God desires.
According to the dictionary, kindness is “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate” (Oxford); “treating people with kindness and respect” (Merriam-Webster). The Greek word translated “kindness” in Galatians 5:22 is chestotes, meaning “a quality that makes others feel at ease, moral goodness, integrity, and benignity.”[1]
But let’s look at some of the things Scripture says about being kind. Choose a few of the verses listed below and memorize them so they will be in your arsenal when you are in a situation where you need to practice kindness—especially when you don’t feel like it!
Proverbs 21:21 – Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
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.
Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
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.
Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-13 – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Peter 3:8-9 – Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 John 3:17-18 – If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Go Deeper
- Relying on The Constant Companionship of The Holy Spirit – Package Offer Video Download Full Series
- Inspiring Faith in Your Children and Grandchildren – Package Offer
- The Evidence for the Historical Jesus – Updated Edition
- Ezraproject.com. ↑
R.L. Wilson
R.L. Wilson has been on staff at the Ankerberg Theological Research Institute since 1982. Wilson’s articles draw from the perspective of someone who grew up in a multicultural environment, and who has been a follower of Christ for many decades.
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