Killing With Kindness

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, KINDNESS, goodness, gentleness and faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22).

Like you, my desire is for the Holy Spirit to develop all of His fruit in my life. I want all eight of his characteristics to be evident in my life.  Recently, I saw a bowl of plastic grapes in a craft shop with the individual names of the above listed fruit painted on them. It dawned on me that we need to “cluster” toward maturity!  One translation says, “When the Spirit fills, He will develop the following characteristics in your life...”

Kindness. How is it defined? “The quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.”  Some suggest that kindness is weakness, but I contend that kind people are not necessarily “pushovers.”  Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is call to task people who tend to be bullies or unruly.  Kindness and meekness are “first cousins.”  Someone described meekness as “steel wrapped in velvet.” Moses was described as the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3); however, there were times when he had to assert himself.   

Not to brag, but many describe me as a kind man.  Unfortunately, on occasion I’ve had to exercise church discipline through sternness. This has seemed incongruous to some, because that does not look like the “normal me.”  However, while kindness is a pacesetter, at times it has to function in a straight-forward manner. In short, kindness never allows individuals to operate outside of healthy boundaries. 

God wants to develop His fruit inside us, and wants us to incorporate them into our daily living. Oh, my Chrisitan friend, let the Holy Spirit make you a kind person.  Can we get back to practicing this wonderful virtue? 

Sometimes when out and about, I am met with “unkindness.” “F-Bombs” are dropped enmasse. The use of this filthy word seems to have accelerated. Life in 2025 has unnerved the best of us. People are fearful, and uncertainties abound. Kind words go a long way as we interact with those around us. 

We need a revival of kindness.  We’ve all heard the phrase, “Kill them with kindness.” Don’t react. Act with kindness. Watch as unkind words and deeds meet “kindness” head on and reversals take place!

All people, everywhere need an encounter of the saving kind with Jesus Christ, who was the epitome of kindness.  He said through His apostle, “Be kind one to another…” (Ephesians 4:32).  Who can you purposely show kindness to today?