THE VIRTUE OF CHRISTIAN KINDNESS.

SERIES: THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

TEXT: GALATIANS 5:22; EPHESIANS 4:29-32

God has shown so much kindness to us. He expects us to show the same kindness to others at all times. For this reason, we have kindness as part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit we are to bear. Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. Some other words for kindness are goodwill, tenderness, selflessness and benevolence.

• Kindness has a wide and varied interpretations, its meaning is relative to each individual.
• Kindness comes in many forms and may not always be as simple as doing good things.
• Kindness is empathy, understanding and compassion. These three are universals.
• Accepting and helping everyone no matter who they are or where they come from is kindness in and of itself.
• Kindness is one of the attributes of God and one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
• Christians are expected to express kindness in their daily conversations. Let us learn:-

THE EXPLANATION OF THE VIRTUE OF CHRISTIAN KINDNESS.

• There are many verses in the Bible that define kindness.
• Paul the apostle of our Lord and Savior has this to say about kindness, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you”-Ephesians 4:32.
• Being kind to others is your own way of following in God’s footsteps.
• The ultimate expression of your love for God.
• In Proverbs 11:17, we are told that a man who is kind benefits himself but a cruel man hurts himself.
• Kindness does not only make others happy, it uplifts the spirit of the person expressing it also.
• Every act of kindness always make the kind person feel satisfied and elated.
• There is a satisfaction that come to those who are kind to others.
• To fully understand the meaning of christian kindness, we need to identify some principles involved in expressing kindness. Some of these principles include:-

1. Kindness involves determination and making a choice.

• What makes someone truly kind is because they are determined to be so and keep choosing to be kind, even if it means having to do it sacrificially.
• This choice is what distinguishes christian kindness from other kindness. Christians choose the path that the word of God approves.
• Christians choose to show kindness no matter how unpopular it is. Christian kindness is not a show off for people to see as other religions do.

1. Express kindness to yourself also.

• You need to be kind to yourself too, because you like everyone else also deserve kindness.
• Treat yourself as you would treat anyone else. Avoid criticizing yourself, avoid putting yourself down, instead offer yourself kind words every day.
• You cannot be truly kind to others if you cannot even be kind to yourself.

1. Motivate others with your kindness.

• Simple act of kindness can inspire others and triggers a chain reaction of people being kind to others. This is one of the most profound effects of kindness.
• Get encouraged and motivated by the sincere expression of kindness by others and have the goal of motivating and encouraging others with your expression of kindness.

THE EXPRESSION OF THE VIRTUE OF CHRISTIAN KINDNESS.

• There are certain attitudes and qualities needed to sincerely and effectively express the virtue of christian kindness:-

1. Sensitivity to the needs of others.

• In order to express kindness in sincerity and effectively, you must be sensitive and aware of the needs of those around you.
• Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others-Phil. 2:4.
• Kindness starts with getting my mind off myself and my problems and noticing what others are experiencing.

1. The willingness and readiness to support others.

• We must be willing and ready to support others as much as God gives us the ability and enablement.
• We need to be supportive with our words-Proverbs 15:4; 10:32.

1. Meditate daily on the kindness of God to you.

• When we realize how God has been good to us and how fortunate we are to be alive and saved, it will be easier to be kind with our words and actions to others.
• When people are not aware of their blessings it is far easier to be cutting, hurtful with words and always running other people down.

1. Always express kindness with sincerity.

• Kindness is either expressed through giving materially or verbally, a touch on the shoulder, a pat on the back or a gasp of the hand.
• All these go long ways when done out of love and sincerity.

1. Being honest and straight forward.

• Sometimes in expressing kindness, there is the need to be frank or candid.
• Telling someone the truth, laying it on the line or levelling with people is also a demonstration of kindness-Proverbs 27:6.
• Kindness cares, kindness never hides the truth, kindness does not seek acceptability or applause of men.

1. Avoid procrastination and be spontaneous.

• Show kindness today not tomorrow. Now is the time to show kindness-Galatians 6:10.
• Do not put off the opportunity to say a kind thing, write a kind note or express a kind action. A common enemy of kindness is busyness and procrastination.

1. Always put the past behind and press forward.

• The past can constitute a hindrance in expressing kindness. Do not let your past experience of hurt stop you from expressing kindness today and tomorrow.
• Joseph was hurt by his brothers when he showed them kindness by visiting them and bringing them food. He showed his brothers kindness-Gen. 50:19-21.

THE ABUSE OF THE VIRTUE OF CHRISTIAN KINDNESS.

• Kindness is love in action. Kindness is not merely an emotion, it is practical, visible and active.
• Sometimes the people we are kind to might abuse, misunderstand or take advantage of us, yet we must still continue to be kind to others.
• The abuse of kindness include the following:-

1. Ingratitude and lack of appreciation.

• We should be grateful and appreciate of every single act of kindness shown to us.

1. Overdependence and unreasonable expectations.

• There are people who demand or see kindness from others as their personal rights. Some will even be expecting something bigger than what the person can do, or is willing to do.
• Even though the Bible recommends the expression of kindness to others, no one should look at it or demand for it as their rightful obligation from others.

1. Envy and ungodly comparisons.

• It is evil to be envious of those who God use to express kindness to us and wishing that the table turn around against them.
• Receive the expression of kindness to you with gladness and appreciation, rather than comparing yours with what others received.

1. Pride and high mindedness.

• Pride or high mindedness will make people to underrate the expression of kindness to them, or feel that they deserve better than what they have received.

1. Selfishness and self-centeredness.

• Both the person expressing kindness and the one receiving it can be selfish.
• Some show kindness just because of what they will benefit or gain in return.
• Others are only interested in getting from others without considering what they can also do for others.

CONCLUSION

• As christians, God wants to put on kindness at all times. It becomes easier for us to do as we draw closer to God in righteous living and yield to the Holy Spirit guidance in our lives.
• We can grow in the grace of kindness if we see it as a service unto God and not to man.
• If we show kindness as a service to God, we will never be discouraged by the attitudes of men, but focusing on the rewards and blessings that will come to us from God.