Today, I want to talk about the fruit of KINDNESS.
WHAT IS IT?
Kindness is defined as; showing forth qualities such as sympathy, helpfulness, friendliness and thoughtfulness, towards another person. Kindness gives a blessing to others, even when they do not deserve it and it withholds punishment that is due. Kindness is being merciful. The words kindness and mercy can be interchanged.
KINDNESS OPERATES on God's principle of sowing and reaping. The end of Galatians 6:7 says..."For whatever a mans sows, that (and that only) is what he will reap" (Amp.) Over and over we see this principle operating in respect to kindness.
For example look at the following scriptures;
Joshua 2:12 "Now then, I pray you, swear to me by the name of the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my father's house..."
1 Chronicles 19:2 "David thought, I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me..."
1 Kings 2:7 David said Solomon: "Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of the Gileadites and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such kindness they met me when I fled because of Absalom, your brother."
Another powerful example of this is the Parable of The Unforgiving Debtor. (see Matthew 18:23-33)
There is a servant who received kindness and mercy from his master. His huge debt was cancelled. Then this servant goes out and finds a "fellow servant" who owes him some money. He refuses to show kindness and mercy to him, and has him thrown in jail. When the master hears of this, he calls the servant back and says "You wicked servant. I cancelled your debt, shouldn't you have the same mercy on your fellow servant that I have shown to you." He is then thrown in jail until he can pay his debt in full.
I noticed as I read this parable, that the servant who received mercy, went to A FELLOW SERVANT; a man like himself and did not give mercy away. The Lord was showing me how we fail at giving the mercy we have received to OUR FELLOW SERVANT; those in the Body of Christ.
We cannot give away what we have not received,but we have all received the mercy and kindness of God and we are called to GIVE IT AWAY. And the place I believe, the Lord has shown me, it is to begin is with our FELLOW SERVANTS; our brothers and sisters in Christ. From there it is to flow to all others who we come in contact with.
Haven't we seen brothers and sisters in Christ, treat one another with anything but mercy and kindness. As James would say;"Brethren, these things not ought be so."
Ask yourself; "Am I more kind and merciful with people outside than I am with those in my Christian family?"
If the answer is yes, then we have some growing to do.
Matthew 10:8 tells us "freely you have received, freely give."
This is true not only for the fruit of kindness but for all the fruit!
GOD BLESSES AND USES KIND PEOPLE
Joseph: was kind to his brothers even though they were mean and nasty to him. Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:21 "I will provide for you and support you and your little ones. And he comforted them (imparting cheer, hope and strength) and spoke to their hearts (kindly)." (Amp.)
Ruth: showed kindness to her mother-in-law Naomi, even though it cost her something, personally. As a result God blessed her mightily. In Ruth 2:16 Boaz ordered his men; "And let fall some handfuls on purpose and let them be there for her to glean and do not rebuke her." When we are kind especially when it requires personal sacrifice, I want you to know, GOD TAKES NOTICE and he can make HANDFULS FALL ON PURPOSE for you!
Moses: It says of Moses (Num.12:3) that he was a "very meek (gentle, kind and humble) and above all the men on the face of the earth." If you read about his life, you will see that he dealt with the Israelites, with much kindness (and with many other fruit of the spirit as well). For example, when Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses. The Lord got angry with them and struck Miriam with leprosy. Now, Moses did not say; "Well serves you right Miriam, next time you should be more careful who you talk bad about." Instead Moses was KIND. "Moses cried to the Lord, saying Heal her now, O God, I beseech You!" (Num. 12:13)
HOW DO YOU TREAT PEOPLE WHO TALK AGAINST YOU? With kindness or spitefulness?
JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE IN KINDNESS
Jesus IS kindness and mercy. And He is the example we are to follow.
Examples:
How He dealt with the woman caught in adultery. (John 8: 3-11)
How he dealt with Peter, when he denied he knew Jesus. (John 18:15-18, 25-27 and John 21: 15-19)
How He showed kindness to the high priest's servant and puts his ear back on. (Luke 22:50-51)
WHY ARE WE NOT KIND?
PROUD people have difficulty being kind.
If you remember the definition of kindness, it is giving a blessing that is not deserved and withholding punishment deserved. A proud person does not think they have to be KIND. It is thinking that says; "You don't deserve my kindness." Or a proud person doesn't see the kindness others extend towards him because; "Of course, I deserve to be treated this way." It is not a kindness towards me; it is how I expect you will treat me because of who I am, my position, my financial status etc...
A proud person will even withhold additional kindness to a person if a previous kindness has not been acknowledged and praised! You think, "I am not doing another nice thing for him, he does not even appreciate it or say thanks." This is PRIDE talking!
Another reason we are not kind is FEAR OF BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF.
Nobody likes to be taken advantage of. We all want to look out for number one! (ourselves). So we are careful not to extend too much kindness to one person in case they "start expecting it of me".
I want you to know that GOD WILL HONOUR US AND DEAL WITH OUR ENEMIES.
Joseph, Moses, Ruth were all kind and GOD TOOK CARE OF THEM.
If you feel you have been mistreated and your kindness has been taken advantage of, then the Lord has a word for you, today.
Hebrews 10:30 "For we know Him who said, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay (I will exact the compensation), says the Lord. And again, THE LORD WILL JUDGE AND SOLVE AND SETTLE THE CAUSE AND THE CASES OF HIS PEOPLE." (Amp.)
Beloved, God does not miss anything. If you have been mistreat and your kindness has been taken advantage of, He will see to it that your accounts are settled! That is His word to us!
We must also realize that hurting people, hurt people. They may take advantage of your kindness, be unappreciative, or even rude but remember, HURTING PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE.
We have NO EXCUSE not to be kind!
PRACTICAL WAYS TO EXERCISE KINDNESS
Smile. It's such a simple kindness.
Hold a door open for someone.
Send a card or gift to a person who you feel doesn't deserve it.
Bake some muffins for the next door neighbour.
Offer a ride to someone who has no car.
Buy someone a cup of coffee.
Give a homeless person a cup of coffee.
Do a job at church that is not "your job."
Invite a hurting person over for dinner.
Talk to someone at church you normally like to avoid.
Let us, this week, make a conscious effort to be KIND. Let's keep our eyes open at all times for opportunities to use our fruit!
God bless you as you go forth and bear fruit and glorify the Father.
