In what way is kindness a fruit of the Holy Spirit?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

An example of kindness displayed in the Old Testament is Esau’s reconciliation with Jacob in Genesis 33. Esau could have taken revenge on Jacob, but he chose to show kindness instead. Another example is found in 1 Kings 17:8-23, in which a widow hosts the prophet Elijah even though she is very poor. In the New Testament, Jesus shares a parable about the Good Samaritan who shows great kindness toward his cultural enemy, a Jew (Luke 10:25–37). The way that Christians can extend kindness today is through the working of the Holy Spirit, Who can produce spiritual fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). Although it is not always easy to show kindness to people, the Spirit equips believers to “put on” kindness (Colossians 3:12) and even bless those who do us wrong (1 Peter 3:8-9).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• A powerful story of kindness is found within the story of reconciliation between Jacob and his twin brother, Esau. Jacob wrongs Esau by manipulating him into giving away his birthright and by manipulating their father, Isaac, into giving away Esau’s blessing to Jacob. Many years later Jacob and his family cross paths with Esau. Instead of enacting revenge, Esau extends amazing kindness toward his estranged brother—running toward Jacob, kissing him, and weeping with him (Genesis 33).
• Kindness is shown by three persons in 1 Kings 17:8-23 when a widow hosts the prophet Elijah in her home. While there, the widow’s child dies. Elijah shows kindness to the widow by imploring the Lord to bring her child back to life. The Lord then shows kindness to everyone by restoring the boy’s life.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Greek word chrēstos is an adjective meaning "good, mild, and fit for use." It was chrēstotēs that motivated the Good Samaritan to love his enemy in Luke 10:25–37. In the story, a Jewish man is brutally attacked and abandoned on the side of a road. However, a Samaritan (hated by the Jews) “bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him” (verse 34). In verse 35, the Samaritan goes even farther in his act of great kindness when he pays the inn keeper for the man’s extra night at the inn.
• The only way we can truly feel kindness toward others is through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
• Even though it is difficult at times to show kindness to others, we who are "God's chosen ones" (Colossians 3:12) are called to extend kindness anyway: “Put on then, as God 's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on ourselves to be kind, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit working within us.
• We should extend kindness from the Holy Spirit even to those who hate us or mistreat us: "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing" (1 Peter 3:8-9).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We as sinful human beings are not naturally inclined to feel kindness toward one another. The world teaches us to "look out for number one"—to dismiss others and concern ourselves instead with our own needs. To feel a beneficial, tender concern inspired by a good character is not our natural tendency—but rather a godly, supernatural one. The kindness of the New Testament, chrēstotēs, is more than just doing something nice once in a while; it is the inclination of a person's character. When the Spirit works in us, we begin doing kind deeds because we are kind. There is no hypocrisy involved. The Spirit changes our hearts and thereby changes our actions.

UNDERSTAND

• Kindness flows from the Holy Spirit's work in us.
• Biblical kindness is selfless and sacrificial.
• The Holy Spirit enables kindness, even toward enemies.

REFLECT

• How has the Holy Spirit helped you replace selfishness or anger with kindness in a specific situation?
• When have you found it difficult to show kindness, and how can you rely on the Spirit in those moments?
• How can you cultivate a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit to display kindness more consistently?

ENGAGE

• What can we learn from biblical examples like Esau, the widow, or the Good Samaritan about showing kindness in challenging circumstances?
• How does kindness as a fruit of the Spirit differ from kindness driven by human effort?
• How can we encourage others to extend Spirit-led kindness even to those who mistreat us?