The Fruits Of The Spirit - Kindness

he dark backdrop of the works of the flesh, makes the fruit of the Spirit shine more brightly! (cf. Matt. 5:16). The works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21,) are produced by Satan in our lives by means of "the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life" (I John 2:15-17.) God wants us to endure and overcome temptation, in our love for Him, when we are tried (James. 1:12.) We are also told that Satan can do nothing more to us than appeal to our own lust by temptation. God does not tempt any man to do evil (James. 1:13.) We must conceive lust in our hearts before it brings forth sin, and "sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James. 1:13-15.) This is the operation of Satan on a worldly heart! Our unrestrained words, actions, thoughts, and deeds of lust and passion, lead us to sin (Matt. 15: 19-20.) But Paul proclaims that when we live according to ''the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:2), we will produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

What Is The Fruit of Kindness?

Perhaps today we use other terms of like meaning more than the word "kindness." For instance the words gentleness, politeness, and courtesy will give this fruit of the Spirit identity and added meaning. The spirit or disposition of God and Christ of being gentle and kind, are declared to all in the Scriptures by the Holy Spirit (II Cor. 6:6; Eph. 2:7; Col. 3:12; Tit. 3:4).

Christians are commanded to possess the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5.) in adopting His views, example, and actions. This sweetens our outlook on life, supplies us with the proper attitude, spirit, and disposition. "Kindness" has been said to be language which even the deaf can hear and the blind can read! We are to be like our Lord not only in being gentle and kind, but also as He was when He rebuked and exposed the error of false teachers (Matt. 16:6, 12.). In obeying our Lord, we "put off the old man (of sin) with his deeds," and "have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created us" (Col. 3:9-10). Conversion is not a miracle, but it is a change in life that is brought about by the knowledge provided by the Holy Spirit, and thus His fruit is the result in our lives. The Christian's mild, kind, and forgiving spirit is produced by "walking in the light, as he is in the light" (I John. 1:7). Our spirit should no longer be an unkind; neither should we have a sour temper or disposition, but rather a mild, calm spirit toward all.

Be Ye Steadfast ~ Unmoveable!

We are never to fail to stand steadfastly for the Truth, but we will use kindness while standing firmly and soundly in ''the faith" (I Cor. 15:58; 16:13; Jude 3).

GaryColley
172 Lakeview Dr.
McMinnville, TN 37110