Financial Fruit of the Spirit预览

Word #5: Kindness

The fifth aspect of the financial fruitfulness which is evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is ‘kindness.’

Kindness is the sincere and voluntary use of one’s time, talent, and resources to better the lives of others, and the world around you through genuine acts of love, compassion, generosity, and service.

The Holy Spirit produces kindness in us because it is an attribute of God Himself.

“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

Kindness is a choice. A choice to choose giving instead of keeping. Circumstances may test us. People may try us. News may trouble us. Yet, despite these obstacles, we each have the beautiful ability to actively choose to be kind.

There are many reasons why relationships fail, but if you look at what drives the deterioration of many relationships, it’s often a breakdown of kindness.

One of the most beautiful illustrations of the choice to be kind is King David’s treatment of Mephibosheth. David asked,

"Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (2 Samuel 9:1)

David’s desire was to show “the kindness of God” to King Saul’s family because of his covenant with Saul’s son, Jonathan. The young man chosen was Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, who "was lame in both feet." David assured Mephibosheth,

“Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” (2 Samuel 9:7)

Kindness has a cost to it. It means giving to the other what we want to keep for ourselves – but that is love in action, sacrificial love, which fulfills the second of Jesus’ great commandments – to love your neighbour as yourself. A great question to ask is, “If I were in his or her shoes, what would I like him or her to do for me?”

Biblical kindness looks like Jesus who gave all so that we could be free to become all we can be. As He lives His life through us, kindness becomes intentional, a habit, a lifestyle, a continual practice.