Stand Firm in Your Freedom

The Fruit of the Spirit of KINDNESS

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

The Meaning of Kindness

a. Kind (chrestotes) literally means “useful.”

b. It is to act towards someone in a useful, helpful, or beneficial manner.

c. It is a mildness of temper, calmness of spirit, an unruffled disposition, and a tendency to treat all people with compassion and politeness.

The Source of Kindness

a. The LORD is the source and supply of all true kindness. (1 Peter 2:2-3)

b. God showed his kindness to us through Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:6-7)

c. God’s kindness leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)

d. Those who reject God’s kindness will suffer his sternness. (Romans 11:22)

e. Because of God’s kindness, He saved us from our unkindness and sin. (Titus 3:3-5)

f. The LORD leads us with kindness. (Matthew 1:30)

The Expression of Kindness

a. Since God showed kindness to us, we are to clothe ourselves with kindness to one another. (Colossians 3:12-14)

b. We are even to extend kindness to our enemies. (Luke 6:35)

c. Kindness is closely connected to forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32)