Fruits of the Spirit in Everyday LifeÀpẹrẹ

Kind Because of God’s KINDNESS

Ephesians chapter 4 verses 29-32

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Titus 3:1-7

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Reflection on the passage:
When I pause to recall some of the countless acts of kindness I’ve received over my lifetime, I realize that what made each one impactful was more than the act itself. I remember casseroles brought after my daughter was born, carefully chosen words of encouragement when I was struggling, generous packing help given during a big move, the reassuring words of a nurse while I was in cancer treatment, or a friend’s visit from across the country to assist me when my sister was dying. What made each self-giving act truly kind was the love behind it, something I experienced in the person’s warmheartedness, genuine care and compassion, and true respect for me as a fellow human being. Paul, in both the passages from Ephesians and Titus, calls us to kindness and points us to its source in divine kindness.

First, Paul names the anti-kind behaviors that some are exhibiting – things that “grieve the Holy Spirit” who lives within them: unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, angry fighting, slander, malice, envy, and hatred toward one another (Ephesians 4 verses 29 & 31 and Titus 3:3). And he also describes what kindness looks like: building each other up, showing respect, and being forgiving, compassionate, considerate, and gentle (Ephesians chapter 4 verses 29 & 32 and Titus chapter 3 verses 1-2).

We may at times feel discouraged by the lack of kindness we see in ourselves or in the society around us, including online, and wonder how to change this. Paul points us to the true source for a kinder world. It comes from “the kindness and the love of God our Savior.” Just as we can forgive because He forgave us, so we can be kind because of His lovingkindness toward us. In His great mercy, He “saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus chapter 3 verses 5-6).

So rather than grieve the Holy Spirt with unchecked unkindness, may we say “yes” to the Holy Spirit and to His ongoing cleansing and renewing work within us. And then we will become more effective agents of His lovingkindness to a world so desperate for it!

Focus verse for prayerful reflection:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4 verse 29)

1. Prayerfully consider if there are any situations in your family, at work or church, or in your online discourse, in which your talk might be considered unwholesome, unkind, or at least unhelpful.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you places where He may be calling you to increase your ministry of kindness through building others up.