Kindness

Kindness

Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters,

It seems that many of us have become so caught up in the activities of church, become so fixated on tasks, so short on time (despite all of our tablets, smartphones, and “productivity” tools), that kindness has been jettisoned without thought or remorse.

Let us go back and review Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit (not fruits) of the Spirit is (not are) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Kindness - or the lack thereof - is frequently the most evident characteristic in people. Are you someone who is always running your mouth -or- are you the person who asks heartfelt questions and then listens in a spirit of kindness? Are you someone who is always looking for an opportunity to demonstrate kindness and hospitality - to hold a door, to use someone’s name, to say please and thank you, to be a Good Samaritan -or- are you always thinking about you, your time, your schedule, your needs, consuming, taking, using?

If we lack kindness then we lack love, and if we lack love then we lack the fruit of the Spirit, and if we lack the fruit of the Spirit then we certainly not walking in step with the Spirit of God.

“If we live by the Spirit, we should also walk by the Spirit.”

Let’s slow down. Let us dwell in this, and every, moment. If productivity is our primary objective then we are not living in, of, or by the Spirit of God. Jesus did not encourage or command us to produce converts, build churches, track metrics, etc. What Jesus did do was encourage and command us to “disciple,” which amounts to teaching one another how to live and love the way God does - unity, altruism, and love.

Let’s demonstrate kindness through the power and presence of the Spirit of God and watch as it transforms our lives, our culture, and the world.

Blessings,

-Kevin