So, let's look at the believer and how to express kindness:
“They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good (kindness) [G5544], no, not one." (Romans 3:12 NKJV) (Paul quoting Psalm 14:1, 3).
We all are "naturally" without kindness. This kindness only comes from a changed heart that has been cut by the bloody Cross, and the Gospel is believed.
Paul describes the character of his ministry in 2 Corinthians and the means in how he endured all hardships:
“by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness [G5544], by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, (7) by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,” (2 Corinthians 6:6-7 NKJV)
Notice how many aspects of the fruit of Spirit are used in Paul's ministry. Within the context of the Gospel, Paul is protected with - "armor of righteousness." That righteousness is only applied as we come to the Cross and stand under the blood of righteousness that was poured out for us.
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness [G5544], humility, meekness, longsuffering;” (Colossians 3:12 NKJV)
Again, Paul "blends" these characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit and tells us to "put on" these qualities. And how do we “put on?” We yoke up with Jesus.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV)
That word "easy" (from our root word χρηστός chrēstós, khrase-tos' G5543 - kind) When we are yoked up with Christ -we are walking with Him. Jesus' yoke is kind/gentle/easy on the neck.
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 NKJV)
We walk with the blood of Jesus always in mind. There at the foot of the Cross, we see His blood cleansing us daily, moment by moment.
4. Who are you yoked up with? Jesus? The world? Your flesh? It would not take long to determine which yoke you are wearing. Are you yoked up to the Cross of Christ, or are you yoked up to the bondage of sin?
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Come and find the kindness of our Lord as you yoke up with Him at the Cross.
Let's turn our attention to the Old Testament and see an illustration of kindness and how it points us to the Gospel.