“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
You’ve probably seen as many “Be Kind” T-shirts as I have. Tasked with writing this blog on the fruit of the spirit, and specifically on kindness, of course I now see them everywhere.
For curiosity’s sake I began researching these T-shirts’ origin, quickly realizing it wasn’t the kind of kind I was tasked with writing about. These movements are encouraging niceness, and calling it kindness.
But… niceness and kindness are NOT synonymous, despite the fact that we often use them interchangeably. And we need to know the difference, because our kindness should be evidence of our transformation, reflecting Christ to a world who doesn’t yet know Him.
Jesus was very nice, welcoming the marginalized, showing compassion to the sick, and extending grace to sinners like us. But He wasn’t a people pleaser, fearing disapproval, and compromising to keep everyone happy. He desired peoples’ ultimate spiritual healing, saying hard truths to people, because He was also KIND.
Some rolled their eyes pridefully and walked away, not wanting to be called out for their sin. Others heard this KINDNESS as a reflection of God’s love, which lead them to repentance.
What about us, ladies? Do we want to be liked, avoid conflict, maintain peace, smile at one another, and offer compliments? That’s nice – but as the “forever family” that Pastor Bob reminds us we are, we are not merely called to be nice people. Niceness can be superficial, and anyone can be nice.
Biblical kindness, however, stands out more than just politeness, and goes much deeper than simply being nice. It calls us to bear the fruits of the Spirit including kindness, flowing from a heart that has been transformed, and longs for others to experience the same.
After college graduation, my son met a former professor for lunch. After being seated, he looked at him and asked, “So, how is your relationship with Christ these days?” Ian felt genuinely cared for as this brother in Christ jumped right into a lunch conversation with his biggest concern for my son. Ladies, this ought to be our highest priority for one another. This is what kindness should look like among us.
Rooted in love, Biblical kindness often requires courage, honesty, sacrifice, and even risk. Are we willing to speak hard truths saturated in gentleness and compassion to a sister when they are making destructive choices? Repeating sinful habits? Gossiping?
Are we willing to RECEIVE such kindness from our sisters when WE are the ones who need to be reminded of Truth? Do we receive this kindness in humility? Does it lead us to repentance or do we roll our eyes in pride, label that person unkind, and/or ignore them?
If you’ve got a friendship with genuine mutual care for each others’ spiritual well-being, your biggest concern for one another is “How is your relationship with Christ?” and you can speak truths to one another… you have a friend indeed!
So be nice, of course, but be sure to also be Biblically kind. Let’s ponder the wisdom from our very own CBC sister, Mary Palazzolo who says, “The dividends for kindness are high, so pray often for opportunities to show not only niceness, but kindness as well.”
May we grow beyond simple niceness, becoming women whose kindness reflects the heart of Christ.
“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4
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