The Fruits of the Spirit Devotional: The Sweet Fruit of Kindness 🍊
“So that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:7 NASB
When you think of God, do you think about His kindness? We often mistake niceness for kindness. As the Alabaster Bible Co states in their book Fruit, " ...while niceness appears of surface-level pleasantry or agreeableness, kindness speaks to something deeper and more precious." They go on to say that "Our God displays kindness- in all its expressions of favor and pervasive goodness- abundantly. We are the recipients of this gift; we need only open our hearts to it. And as it is spilled out generously onto us, we might act to let it overflow to the people and world around us.
The original Hebrew word for kindness is checed, which describes favor and goodness as the key attributes of kindness. Kindness is like a sweet and refreshing fruit that nourishes not only our souls but also those around us.
Kindness is a simple act, yet it can make an immeasurable difference in someone's life. It's the smile from a stranger on a gloomy day, the helping hand extended when you're in need, or the comforting word spoken in a time of sorrow. Kindness is a universal language that transcends barriers and brings people together in a profound way.
When we exhibit kindness, we not only touch the hearts of others but also experience a transformation within ourselves. It's as if kindness is a magical elixir that not only quenches the thirst of those we help but also rejuvenates our own spirits. It's a reminder that we are all interconnected, and our actions can ripple through the lives of others, leaving a trail of goodness in their wake.
Kindness requires intentionality. It invites us into empathy, asking us to be aware of the needs and feelings of those around us and to choose to respond with compassion and grace. In a world that often encourages us to be self-centered and focused on our own needs, kindness reminds us to look outward and extend a hand of love to those in need.
But kindness doesn't always have to be grand gestures or extravagant acts. It can be found in the small and everyday moments of life. It's holding the door for someone, saying "thank you" to the cashier or offering a listening ear to a friend in distress.
In the Bible, Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that when we live by the Spirit, we will bear the fruit of kindness naturally. It becomes a part of who we are, a reflection of God's love shining through us.
So, as we navigate the ups and downs of life, we need to remember the sweetness of kindness. Let us make a deliberate choice to cultivate this beautiful fruit in our hearts and share it with others. Just as a garden thrives when tended to with care, our souls flourish when we nurture the fruit of kindness within us.
In what ways can you intentionally cultivate kindness in your daily life, and how might this ripple effect positively impact your relationships and the world around you?
Take a moment to consider this question and explore how you can incorporate kindness into your actions, thoughts, and interactions with others. Remember that even small acts of kindness can have a significant and lasting impact.
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