Gentleness; a Fruit of the Spirit

The Greatest Kindness

All of us can think back over the events of our lives and remember when someone showed us an act of kindness (gentleness) when we needed some kind of help or assistance.

It could be that kindness was expressed by either a person rescuing us from some kind of trouble, helping us out financially, assisting with something that was too hard for us to do on our own, fixing something for us that was broken; or maybe it was a kind word of encouragement that we needed to hear when we were feeling down.

There are many ways of showing kindness. Being a boater most of my life, we had many boating mishaps on the lakes. Other boaters would show kindness, offering to tow us to shore, or help us to get gasoline when we ran out while out in the middle of the lake. In a past Newslette, I told the story of the motorcyclist that stopped to help me when I was stranded and he changed the flat tire. That person showed kindness that I will never forget. I have had many, many instances of people showing me kindnesses over my lifetime.

But what is the very kindest thing anyone has ever done for me? The most monumental thing that comes to mind, of course, is what the Father and His Son, Jesus, did for me (and for all mankind); in the Father sending His Son, and His Son being willing to die on my behalf for all my sins so that I could have the opportunity to repent, be forgiven, and if faithful, someday be given eternal life.

The world we live in lies in wickedness, and humans are unable to deliver themselves from it's evil. (1st John 5:19) God's solution is to give us His gift of Christ's sacrifice by which all the sins of humanity can be forgiven and atoned for. Just think of how much good fruit will be produced, will grow and eventually fill the earth because of what God has done for us! Can any kindness be more greater than this? God's kindness toward us is an example and pattern of behavior for us to strive to exemplify in our lives, showing kindness to others, as we are seeking to grow into the likness of our heavenly Father and His Son.

As followers of Jesus Christ, the one who demonstrates an incredible kindness and compassion for us; who saved our lives and rescues us from eternal death; it is He who calls us to walk in the light of His Spirit, with love and kindness in all our relationships; with other humans and also to extend His kindness to all of His creation. (Psalm 145:9, 14-16)

Being gentle or kind is a way of living that has a lasting effect on those who we have been kind to; long after the kind thoughts, words, and actions have taken place. Kindness is a gentle power without us being forceful, and it goes well beyond mere politeness to the very heart of how people respect and treat one another. Being kind is an essential way of making our own lives, and the lives of those around us, more meaningful. Being kind enables us to communicate better with others, to be encouraging, understanding and to be more compassionate. Showing kindness can be used to be a positive force in other people's lives by how we treat them with our words and our actions.

The fruit of kindness comes from deep within the very spiritual intent of a heart that has its roots in God's love and is a by-product of being filled with His Holy Spirit. Yes, it is true that there are kind people in the world who are not necessarily converted; but even then, they are operating on God's divine principle of being kind to others.

As Christians, we must be excellent examples of extending the kindness of God to the world because we have God's Spirit that empowers us to exemplify how He is toward all people. Kindness pictures to others the way of love that is of God, for God is love and He operates in kindness in all that He does.

Definition of Kindness

This week we are studying the fifth quality of the fruit of the Spirit, called in the King James version of the Bible: "gentleness."

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

The Greek word used for gentleness in this verse is chréstotés (Strong's #5544) and means; usefulness, i.e. morally, excellence (in character or demeanor) gentleness, good(ness), kindness, uprightness.

From: HELPS Word-studies - 5544 xrēstótēs (a noun, derived from #5543  xrēstós, "useful, profitable") - properly, useable, i.e. well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable.

Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, His Son, are the very essence of "chréstotés" or kindness. In everything they do, they are kind. Even in their creation of the natural world they portray their kindness everywhere. (Romans 1:19-20) They desire that their children exemplify this loving attribute as well; and the children of God will need to have this fruit of the Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God.

Without kindness, there would be nothing but cruelty and hatred. Sadly, this is mostly the state of this present evil world we live in; and cruelty and unkindness seem to be growing in ever increasing intensity in these modern end time days that we are living in.

The Hebrew word for kindness is: checed (Strong's # 2617) and means; from chacad; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety: rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) Beauty - favour, favor, good deed, kindly, loving-kindness, merciful kindness, mercy, pity....

Just like God is love, God is good and kind, it's an attribute of God. It's a part of His being and emanates from Him to all that He has created. It is part of His name just as longsuffering is, that we read about last week.

Exodus 34: 6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

The word for goodness in this verse is also the Hebrew word, checed (#2617) which means kindness. The Lord is long suffering, His is kind, and good, and His actions of goodness and kindness flow out of His very Being.

Love is Kind!

Last week we studied the fruit of the Spirit, "patience" which is long suffering. Patience is considered to be a kind of inward or more passive aspect of "love," a self-restraint from acting unseemly or from getting angry, and it is forbearance or patient enduring.

Kindness, though, connotes a more active expression of love toward others. Both patience and kindness work hand in hand and are bound up in the one quality; LOVE.

1st Corinthians 13:4 begins with: "Charity [Godly love] suffereth long [is patient] and is kind." Patience and kindness are the outward manifestations of godly love. If we have love in our hearts for someone but never show them any kind of patience or kindness, how would they know that they are loved by us? Patience and kindness are love in action and they are expressions of godly love.

1st Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter, contains not only examples and definitions of love, but Paul's teaching expands our understanding of aspects of the other fruits of the Spirit as well, including kindness, which is one of the ways love is expressed to others.

In this chapter, Paul illustrates how love acts, with patience coming first on his list: "Love suffers long" (1st Corinthians 13:4). Then following patience, he adds, "and is kind," giving the idea that love and kindness belong together to such an extent that we can see that without kindness, no act is truly done in love! We can have the gifts of tongues, prophecy, understanding, faith, generosity, but if not done in love all of these things are counted as nothing.

The most comprehensive description of love to be found in Paul's writings is in this chapter. It is called the Love Chapter but it could also be thought of as a chapter of kindness if you think about it. For as with charity (godly love), being kind will involve patience and when we are kind, we will not be envious or boil over with jealousy, will not be boastful or full of pride. When someone is being kind, they will not act arrogantly or be haughty. If we are being kind, we will not be prideful, or rude to others, will not be selfish, nor will we have a quick temper, nor think evil of others.

1st Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Love suffers long and endures (patience); but the action component of love is kindness, the side of love that propels itself in outward acts of service toward those we are showing love to. It is the type of action that has the power to see positive change in the lives of those we come into contact with and in all of our relationships with others.

And if love is the keeping of all of God's commandments, (1st John 5:4) then kindness is a very important aspect of keeping His commandments in all it's spiritual intent from the heart; and goes way beyond the mere physical keeping of God's law.

Being kind can sometimes involve sacrificial ways of expressing God's kindness, for it involves taking time for others, giving of our resources, may involve discomfort or weariness on our part, or it may even cost us our lives in doing service for others. Kindness may be something as simple as giving a stranger a smile and salutation, holding a door open for someone coming in behind us, or sending a card or email to let someone know we care.

As Christians striving to walk as Jesus walked, love and kindness involves so much more than merely mechanically keeping of the commandments. Cultivating kindness in our character brings us closer and closer into the very image of God and becoming like Him.

Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Paul goes on to teach how we put on the new man and grow into His image.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Jesus Is Our Model of Kindness

The love Paul illustrates in 1st Corinthians 13 is the love of God, which found its perfect expression in Jesus Christ who is our model of gentleness and kindness.

The kind of love that Jesus had for mankind when He was here on earth, was not only an inward emotion or feeling of love, but was also very much outgoing. Because of His love, He was gentle/kind and went about doing acts of kindness, healing and casting out evil spirits. 

Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

His preaching, warning, and teaching of the truth were also expressions His love. His love was not merely casual politeness; it was patient, long-suffering, kind and radical.

God is Good to All

God gives His kindness to mankind even before they turn to Him. He cares for and gives His blessings of provision to those who sin against Him; to those who are ruining His magnificent creation, and to those that reject His commandments and ordinances. He is patient and kind and doesn't bear grudges or retaliate, but freely gives even to wicked men before they repent, while he patiently works toward the completion of His plan of salvation.

Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

There is coming a time when God will exercise His righteous wrath against mankind's wickedness, but even then it will be done in kindness. For if He did not intervene to put a stop to the evil, there would soon be no more goodness left on earth. And it would become completely corrupt and vile, and mankind would destroy all of God's creation. We are in the days similar to the days of Noah and it is only getting worse. A loving and kind God is going to come with correction to humble mankind, eradicate evil from the earth and enable them to repent, be forgiven, and be given the opportunity to become part of His family. His gift of life and His provision for all of His creatures, including man, is an abundant manifestation of His divine and kind nature.

Acts 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

Kindness is the building-force that pours out of us to others, that can edify and encourage them to want to learn more about God and His ways. It is a way we can be building up the Kingdom of God now in our lives, as we impart kindness to others, and they in turn will then tend to model the kindness that has been modeled to them.

Kindness, can have a ripple effect that can influence a marriage, a family, a community, a church group; and when God's Kingdom is fully operating, will eventually engulf the whole world. God's Kingdom will surely be a kingdom of love and kindness and all it's subjects will benefit and thrive under a loving and kind government.

God as Our Source of Kindness

The Biblical definition of kindness shows we are to pour kindness out of ourselves completely for others. The kindness that the Bible teaches us is a self-sacrificial kindness. It is basically a radical kindness that when people receive it, it doesn't make sense to them. They may even become suspicious, thinking that there must be an ulterior motive behind the kindness if they have never experienced the love of God from others before, or rarely. Sometimes when people receive it, it gives them a taste of the the divine, that which is of God, of something they are not used to experiencing in this present evil world from others.

As instruments of God, we give of ourselves first to Him and He then makes us fit to accomplish such things as acts of kindness for the sake of others. The acts of kindness that we are called to do are the simple and natural things like saying hello to a stranger or letting someone go first in a line; but in addition, God has called us to do radical acts of kindness, the kind of kindness that we have received from Him in our lives and is what we are to show to others.

In the book of Luke, Jesus shows us an even higher plain in how to show mercy and kindness to even our enemies. This is a spiritually derived kind of kindness that only comes supernaturally.

Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

The Jewish people of His day had been taught the "eye for an eye" type of mentality and now Jesus was teaching them that they must show kindness even to their enemies.

Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.b44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect

These are the words of our Lord and Master for those who want to follow Jesus. He teaches us to love others, to love even our enemies, on a much higher plain than what the world usually does; beyond how "sinners" normally show kindness or love for each other.

When we live as Christ's followers, as one who tries to live his life as He lived His life; we will show His love in ways that are beyond people's normal ability to understand from their human mindset. They will wonder at us, when we show unexpected and undeserved kindness, perhaps asking "why are you being kind to me"? This is a way we can exemplify the hope that lies within us, by our actions and by our gentleness. 

And even if we should suffer for it by being taken for granted, taken advantage of, or for the person misunderstanding our motives; we will show them an example of living God's way which can be a beginning place for further explaining the gospel message to them if they are curious to find out more of "the reason for the hope that is in us". They, at least, received a small glimpse of the type of kindness and godly love that we have received through Jesus when we were reconciled to the Father by the means of His sacrificial love.

1st Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

It's this kind of kindness that we, as true Christians who follow our Lord and Savior, who laid His life down for us, are called to. It's this type of kindness that is baffling and unbelievable to most that are in the world, and can be somewhat perplexing for those who witness it.

This is an incredibly high standard of kindness for Christians to exemplify; this type of God's loving kindness.  This kindness of God must be instilled into our very hearts by His Spirit. He is the source of power and He gives the Holy Spirit that empowers us to love with this kind of radical kindness that the world is not used to. We, of ourselves, do not have this kind of kindness in our own power but must be filled with God's Spirit from which the acts of kindness flow.

We as human beings acquired from birth a nature that is not divine and we naturally are not kind and good people. Jesus told the rich young ruler that "no one is good. " And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God." (Luke 18:19)

By our very natures, we are not kind, good people. It is after we start seeking the divine nature of God, by seeking His Holy Spirit and by obeying Him, that we are given the divine power to have the kind of godly kindness that God has.

Humans are born with human nature and we take on Satan's carnal nature as infants and grow up in a carnal sin-filled world that is far from the spiritual laws of God. We are separated from God and do not have His spirit of kindness, our minds are naturally at enmity against Him and are not subject to God's laws. We grow up to be self-centered and focused on ourselves, seeking after material goods and the pleasures of this world.

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

In man's imaginations and by the reasoning of so many man-made religions, they make the mistake of thinking that they can fix the world and do good things to fix the brokenness of humanity when really no one but God can.

We raise up charities, form committees; some work really hard and even devote their whole lives to doing good. We draw up a list of rules and regulations and adopt self-help ideologies to guide us in the way of goodness and kindness. But that is not the real solution to our problems and the problems of the world. Whatever good we do will only be temporary.

To be able to be the kindness to the world we must first seek help for our own spiritual brokenness by seeking God, repenting of our own sins, being forgiven and then receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is by Christ's sacrifice and by His wounds that we are healed and transformed. (1st Peter 2:24)

Kindness is another definition that shows how we love and it is a supernatural gift from God through the outpouring of His Holy Spirit. Our hearts go through a metamorphosis from being hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, and then kindness will come naturally from a refashioned softened heart.

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Most of the people of the world have hearts of stone, that is why there is very little kindness and is why people can even do the most unimaginable cruel acts toward others. That is why there is violence, wars, terrorism, because they do not know God and do not have His laws written in their hearts yet.

Yet by the amazing power of God and His Spirit, its those He is calling now that can be changed from being self-centered carnal humans to the people of God who have been transformed and now have tender hearts, hearts filled with kindness. It is this divine kindness that God will impart that has the power to change ourselves and others by showing them a glimpse of God's way and His nature, and a peek of what the kingdom of God will be like.

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

There is a Foundation that is called "Random Acts of Kindness" that promotes kind acts; doing the unexpected and "random" acts of good deeds for others. This is of course not a bad thing to do, but they miss the point of directing people to God, seeking Him first and seeking the true source of acts of kindness. With God the acts are not random, but consistent, constant and based on His law of love. We are not to do kindness to be seen of men or to receive the accolades of others, but because it is the right thing to do and it comes as a result of being filled with the love of God and this fruit that is love in action.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [While all were yet sinners God poured out His kindness for mankind)

The Holy Spirit is to be replenished day by day and will overflow in our interactions with others and will make our relationships flourish as we continually shower God's kindness upon those we love in our lives. 

It is in Jesus and through the overflowing abundance of His Spirit that we receive the power to show the same kindness to others that we have received from God.

 Words of Kindness

One of the ways we show kindness is by the words we speak to each other. The tongue has the power to refresh and bring life, or it can destroy another person; that is how powerful our ability is in how we treat each other in what we say. Not only with the adults that are in our midst but also to our children, who are so very vulnerable to cruel and impatient words.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

The Proverbs 31 virtuous woman is an allegory of the future Bride of Christ and she has in her tongue the "law of kindness". It will be part of who she is and it is one way she will tend to the ways of her children and her household, by nurturing, encouraging, teaching, and speaking with kindness, always. The children of God that make up the Bride will have learned how to have kindness in their hearts and on their lips as this proverb teaches.

Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. [#2617 chesed] 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

By being kind to one another, we can encourage and uplift which can be like a beautiful gift of gold or silver.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

As the Ekklesia, we are commanded by God to be building and edifying His body with teaching, admonition, and exhortation. By this we are showing kindness to each other by building each other up with our words. There is so much that can be said in how we are to be kind by our communication to each other, but I will just let the following Scriptures admonish us in this respect. These are just a few verses; there are many, many more.

Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2nd Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

James 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Kindness is a Fruit of Righteousness

Paul writes in: Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Kindness is a fruit of righteousness, and if we are a righteous people we will be kind to all those who come into our life's path. And this is what God says about those who seek to become righteous:

Matthew 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The effects of kindness cannot be numbered, for such a gentle spirit will ripple out to touch the lives of those far removed from the original kind deeds. The fruit of kindness sows the seeds that can only bear more good fruit here now in this life, and perhaps even more so in the world that is coming. Those seeds may seem to be laying dormant for now, but who knows if those who are called later will remember our kindnesses shown to them during earlier times, and when conditions are more favorable in the Kingdom, those same seeds will begin to germinate and take root. 

Imagine the whole world acting in kindness to each and every person and to every little child. The whole world would be keeping the commandments of God; not only in the letter of the law, but also in the spirit of the law;                                                                     which is also the wisdom of God. 

To be kind is to be a wise person indeed.

Constance