How to Be a Fruity Christian (Part 14)

What is the value of kindness?  Can you put a value on a world in which every person living is kind toward each other?  We realize that the world in which we live today is far from being universally kind toward each other, and this is a key symptom to the fact that the vast majority of people in this world do not have God's Holy Spirit living within them.  Galatians 5:22 clearly states that the true child of God will bear the fruit of kindness, an overflow of God's love working within our heart toward each other. 

I guess there are many examples of how we can be kind toward each other, but let me share four ways God's Word commands Christians to show our kindness in our world.  First, be gentle to pick up a fallen brother (Gal. 6:1).  None of us are perfect, so when we see others miss up in life, be gentle as you lift them up.  Second, be kind to bear each others burdens (Gal. 6:2-5; Matt. 11:30).  Third, be kind to build each other up (Gal. 6:6).  The world is full of put downs.  The church should be filled with people who long to make those around them stronger.  Last, your kindness is not a waste, what you reap you will sow (Gal. 6:7-10).  One of the greatest opportunities for us to show kindness in this world is when we choose to forgive those who have hurt us.  Kindness is not easy nor free (look at the cross of Christ), but kindness is always expected of Christians.  Until next time, keep walking closely with Christ. 

How to be a Fruity Christian (Part 13)

What is your favorite activity or past time?  I guess some of my dad's influence has rubbed off on me, seeing that I enjoy planting flowers, trees, and various other plants.  In my study, I found that there is a weird pastime connected with gardening that is called "guerrilla gardening".  The basics of guerrilla gardening include breaking into someone's backyard and planting vegetables, flowers, or trees in someone else's lawn.  The downside to this is that you could get shot if you are not careful.  The fifth fruit found listed in Galatians 5:22 is the fruit of "kindness".  Kindness is the ongoing activity of God's love.

In the Old Testament, the word for kindness is usually connected to God's nature and dealing with man.  Psalms 141:5 reminds us that since God is kind, we too are to be kind to one another.  When we move into the New Testament, the word kindness usually means useful, profitable, good, and gentle.  Kindness speaks of having tender concern for others, to treat others gently as Christ deals with us.  Kindness is not a sign of weakness, but rather controlled inner strength.  As one writer described kindness, "Patience will put up with all kinds of bad things from others, while kindness will do all kinds of good things for others."  True kindness is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Our flesh seeks to be harsh and brass (Rom. 3:10-12), but the Spirit wants us to be gentle, hands on!  If we seek to give kindness away, no matter the circumstance, then we will have a less stressed life.  Until next time, keep walking with Christ.