So, last week we talked about longsuffering – the idea of silently suffering because of wickedness. Longsuffering is a PASSIVE response to sin toward us, to those who would do us harm. This word for kindness is the idea of ACTIVELY doing good to those who would harm us. So, in our "blend" of the fruit – in love, joy, and peace, we quietly suffer and show kindness to our enemies.
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;” (1 Corinthians 13:4 NKJV)
χρηστότης chrēstótēs, khray-stot'-ace; [G5544] from G5543; χρηστός chrēstós, khrase-tos' - the idea of usefulness, i.e., moral excellence (in character or demeanor):—gentleness, good(-ness), kindness.
NKJV, NLT, NIV, ESV, RSV, NASB– kindness
KJV, WEB – gentleness (which expresses the character of kindness)
Practicing moral goodness, integrity, this kindness is gentle, mild, and pleasant. It is sweetness and kindness in a temper toward all, but toward ignorant and wicked in particular—the calmness of spirit, and unruffled disposition, treating all with politeness. Kindness is stooping to the lowest need, thinking nothing too small in which it may help, ready to give back a blessing for cursing, a benefit for harm and wrong. It is a useful kindness that benefits others with soothing to meet real needs in God's way. It is a service to others (always outward focused).
This is one of the expected effects of the Spirit's operations on the heart when we come to the Cross. It sweetens the temper, corrects an irritable disposition, makes the heart kind, disposes us to make all around us as happy as possible. This kindness is true politeness, kindhearted politeness, which can far better be learned in the school of Christ at the foot of the Cross.
As opposed to the works of the flesh: hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, envy, revelries, and the like, a harsh, crabbed, crooked temper, cruelty. Walking in the Spirit makes no one crabby, miserable, and sour.
1. Can you say that kindness is a part of your character? Or are you the crabby, miserable, grumpy person? Are you walking in the Spirit or fulfilling the lusts of the flesh?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.