Kindness: Mercy & Grace in ActionThe English word kindness is listed in Galatians 5:22 as one of the attitudes or actions the spirit of God produces in believers. What does kindness mean? You might say "its hard to be too specific, but, I know kindness when I see it". Acts of kindness might include courtesy, encouragement, generosity,  devotion of money or time… for example: offering someone who is stranded a ride home in your car. But isn't it possible for an action to appear kind but be nothing of the sort. A well dressed man might offer someone a ride home... if that someone is a little old lady you might say “that's kind”. But if that someone  is a  young woman wearing hotpants and a halter top... “kind” might not be the word you would choose.So what we consider kind is conditional. It depends on the circumstances. What are those conditions and circumstances? What is the biblical model for kindness? Today we are going to explore what the kindness produced by God's spirit looks like. We'll try to define it, we'll probe into kindness as an expression of God's character, and we'll consider how, where and why God wants us to put on the mindset of kindness. Do your own personal bible study on the Holy Spirit of God with this free bible study guide: The Power of the Holy SpiritDefining KindnessI would like to propose that the “kindness” referred to in Galatians 5:22 can be understood as: help, service, generosity, assistance, even words, rendered to another person not in accordance with what they deserve or have earned but as an active expression of mercy & grace... A. showing outgoing concern for their well-beingB. Showing our own putting on of Godly character That’s my conclusion. Now, let me back up and explain how I came to that definition.The Greek word The word Paul used the Greek word chrestotes in Galatians 5:22 in English you read that as kindness. The word chrestotes was used in the Greek language to represent that which is useful, helpful, and by extension - moral excellence. So I believe Paul was inspired to use it to carry the sense of something done to help, or serve, another person because its the right or virtuous course of action [rather than a transaction done expecting a return or reciprocity].The Modern English WordThe contemporary definition of the English word "kindness" is something like: friendly, generous helpful, considerate, pleasant agreeable. Its a pretty good choice but it does lack a bit with regard to the full biblical definition we want. How do these acts become products of God’s spirit rather than just social niceties? We’ll get there by adding the motive… which will be grace & mercy. But first, more on our good old English word “kind”…Being Kind to Your Own KindIn English, “kind” is also used to mean a particular class or type of thing: " a daschund is a kind of dog", "she's a special kind of person" etc. That was the original meaning of the word in Olde English. Over time it morphed to take on a larger meaning pertaining to acts and attitudes. Human beings are more apt to treat our own kind in ways that are helpful, considerate, generous... than we are to act this way toward outsiders, those of a different class, religion, nationality, tribe, family, fraternity, friend group. We find it easier to relate to those we consider "our own kind". We assume we understand where our own kind are coming from, and we can more easily picture ourselves in their shoes. This is a sort of worldly kindness… we take care of our own and hope they will do likewise. Luke 6:32-36 our Father creator is calling us to something else. A form of kindness that is powered by His spirit, which imitates Him, and adopts His way of thinking.God’s Kindness: Where It All BeginsGod is kind and our understanding of what this fruit of the spirit is begins and builds upon our understanding of God. Ephesians 2:1-10 in His mercy we are saved from death, in H