But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Okay, now kindness really is our next virtue within the fruit of the Spirit. Kindness is something some of us, especially us manly men, could stand to work on in our lives, and yet the Holy Spirit resides with in us so that we might display kindness to the world.

My wife is kind. She always wants to do what is best for others. I often tell her that if I was as nice as she is, it would wear me out! Now, I am kidding when I say that, because you would agree that she is not called to be more kind than I am, but the illustration is clear. Some people exhibit kindness better than others.

Is your nature more likely to say a kind word to someone or to “bite someone’s head off”? That may not be the way you would have asked the question, but I think you understand the point. The better way of judging kindness, however, is not to ask that question of yourself, but to ask those closest to you to answer it for you! (Ouch!)

What would be the response if I asked your spouse, or your children, or your friends, or your co-workers, if you correctly identify the characteristic of kindness as a part of your spiritual fruit? Would they call you a “kind person”? Do you know? Why don’t you ask them and see?

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