The Fruit of Hope: Discovering Hope in the Fruits of the SpiritNäide

There are so many ways to exhibit kindness—today’s fruit of the Spirit—as you go throughout this world. It’s a big word with a lot of big meaning.

In Romans 2:4, we’re told that “God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance.” The act of his kindness draws us closer to him, and the closer we get to him, the more we realize we need to repent.

And then in Ephesians we read about our own kind of kindness: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NRSV)

In other words, our kindness flows from God’s kindness, which he expressed through the forgiveness of Jesus.

But what does all this have to do with hope?

When you extend kindness to others, you enact a double dose of hope. Because kindness is a form of hope, an unmerited type of favor that rests in providing other people with the knowledge that they are worth this level of kindness; when they can receive that kindness, they are filled with hope.

But there’s more! When you extend kindness, you also turn your back on the ways of this world—the ferocity, the animalism, the tribalism that says you are on your own and must fight for every scrap of everything you will ever have. Instead, you offer kindness and put the lie to that kind of thinking, trusting and hoping in God’s provision for your every need.

Kindness is hope in action. Exhibit some today!