Opening illustration: For 30 years, Randy Murphy drove without a traffic incident, without being stopped by the police, and without a driver’s license. Then, the 46 year old Knoxville, Tennessee native’s luck ran out. On his way home from work as a dishwasher, he increased the volume on his radio. Turning the corner he was stopped by police officer Mark Taylor who pulled him over because of the blaring music. When Officer Taylor asked Murphy for a driver’s license, Murphy admitted he didn’t have one. What would we expect in that situation? Officer Taylor asked Murphy why he didn’t have a license. Murphy said that he couldn’t read enough to pass the written test. With uncommon courtesy, Taylor told Murphy, if you’re willing, I’d like to help you with the reading part of the test. The police officer gave Murphy his pager number. Later that afternoon, Murphy paged Taylor to schedule their first meeting. For the next three months the men met several times a week to review the test booklet. When Murphy felt ready, Taylor accompanied him to the department of motor vehicles. Murphy took the test six times before he passed and then sailed through the road test. Taylor’s act of kindness earned him the Officer of the Month award from the Knoxville Police Department.
Is this the kind of kindness Paul talks about in defining one of its virtues in the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ mentioned in Galatians 5: 22 – 23? Let us turn to an act of kindness in the OT ~ 2 Samuel 9: 1 – 13.
Introduction: Today we live in an era where kindness is not appreciated but considered to be demeaning and lowly. Christian kindness is a rare commodity! More Christians today pray for the "gift of tongues" (which appears so spiritual) than for the grace of kindness. Some Christians even treat their unsaved relatives less kindly after being saved, because they find the behavior of their unsaved relatives to be "un-spiritual" - they are ignorant that true Christianity sweetens every legitimate relationship. Others concentrate on preaching the Gospel to their loved ones but fail to evidence the Gospel of love by showing Christian kindness to them.
God is kind. He said through Jeremiah, “I AM the Lord, who exercises kindness …” [Jeremiah 9: 24]. The Psalmist said, “You are forgiving and good, O Lord” [Psalm 86: 5].
God’s kindness to sinners is designed to lead them to repentance [Romans 2: 4]. This kindness should encourage us to continue in His kindness [Romans 11: 22].
The ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ is more than an attitude or trait that we desire; it is evidence that the Holy Spirit lives in us. Some people have this idea that the Holy Spirit is mystical or spooky and unapproachable ~ well they are untrue perceptions. In Galatians 5: 22 – 23 the ‘Word of God’ tells us that the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The Holy Spirit illustrates God’s personality to others. There is no place in the Bible where it tells us that the Holy Spirit is mystical, spooky …. Etc.
Defining Kindness
Old Testament: The Hebrew word hesed, which is translated “kindness” in this passage, is a very meaningful word. It is difficult to translate it into English, and no single word in our language can convey its whole meaning. So we attempt to express what is being said here with phrases like “steadfast love,” “covenantal love,” and “loving kindness.” What we’re trying to get at is the kind of emotion and action that is felt and expressed between parents and children, or between two people who are lovers, or between folks who are the deepest of friends. But added to that emotion is the idea of dependability, loyalty, and unswerving commitment. This type of kindness is not often found in our world, but it is sorely needed.
New Testament: From the Greek root of grace ~ charis, which also means grace or gracious. The English word ’kind’ probably comes from the word kin-ned which derives from the root kin, i.e. blood-relative. It therefore describes the kind manner in which one would treat his own kin. The Greek word generally translated as ’kind’ is chrestos, which means pleasant, courteous, gracious, good, serviceable, useful, and beneficial. Chrestos is not a passive word but an active one. This is important because many people believe a kind look, or kind words, or the mere absence of oppressive speech or deeds is kindness.
Jack Hayford describes this portion of the Holy Spirit as “goodness in action, sweetness of disposition, gentleness in dealing with others, benevolence, kindness, affability. The word describes the ability to act for the welfare of those taxing your patience. The Holy Spirit removes abrasive qualities from the character of one under His control.”
As you walk through your day, are you concerned about listening to the Holy Spirit as He prompts you to be kind to others? As Christians we are to be known as chertos people. Those who know us should be able to testify that we are kind.
1. Kindness shows Compassion [Titus 3: 4 - 7]
The believer is to put on "kindness" (Colossians 3: 12). This refers to a gentle, gracious disposition.
When I think of this quality, a particular godly leader comes to mind. Years ago another leader in the area did him much harm and sought to ruin his reputation. In a board meeting with this godly leader some of us expressed concern about what this other person was doing to him.
This godly leader then made a statement I shall never forget: "I have determined in my heart to show love and kindness toward this Christian leader with all that I have." And he did. This is what kindness is all about.
A biblical illustration of showing kindness is seen from the life of David. The former king, Saul, had despised David and sought to kill him several times. But David never took advantage of Saul; in fact, Saul’s son Jonathan became his closest friend. After the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, David asked, "Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?" (2 Sam. 9: 1). It was then brought to David’s attention that Jonathan had a crippled son, Mephibosheth (v. 3). David sent for Mephibosheth, and 2 Samuel 9 concludes by saying, "So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet" (v. 13).
In addition to providing for Mephibosheth continually, David also restored to him the land that had been confiscated from Saul. This was true kindness in action.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4: 32).
Some examples ~
• Good Samaritan
• People we might help on the roadside
• A lady with children trying to get all the groceries to her car etc.
The Bible instructs us to “be kind and compassionate to one another” [Ephesians 4: 32]. When we see people in need we feel compassion and compassion will motivate us to do something.
2. Kindness takes Action [Ephesians 2: 4 - 7]
The fascinating thing in all this is that hesed is a word that is often used in Scripture to describe God’s love for us. We who have been made in the image of God are the objects of His loving kindness, His hesed. Even though at one time or another we either shook an angry fist in God’s face or we walked away from Him in passive indifference, the Lord never gave up on us. In His loving kindness, His hesed, God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins. He paid the penalty we deserve, and He extended to us mercy and grace.
There was nothing about Mephibosheth that deserved David’s hesed, and there is nothing in us that deserves God’s kindness either. It is unmerited favor and love, not because of who we are but because of who God is. Notice what David says in this text. He asks, “Is there no one left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” It was because David had experienced God’s hesed that he in turn could express that same kindness to someone else. David took action so that he could show kindness to Saul’s family even though Saul had devised and pursued to kill him.
When you have truly experienced the loving kindness of God in your life, it’s hard to keep it to yourself. As Jesus said, the one who has been forgiven much is the one who loves much, and the kindness of God is something that becomes contagious. Even in those times when someone wrongs you and is extremely unfair or hurtful, in the power of God’s Holy Spirit you can discover how to be a channel of God’s loving kindness and grace to others. It is very difficult to do, and we can’t do it on our own, but with God’s help we can find the grace to do it.
The fact of the matter is that we are all crippled in one way or another. We might not be physical cripples like Mephibosheth, but we are crippled nonetheless. We are crippled in our hearts and we’re crippled in our minds because of past wounds that never healed quite right. The pain of life has left us broken people. I’ve got a broken heart just like you do. Life has dealt me some crippling blows just recently. We all need the healing kindness of God because it’s rare to find it in the world around us. However, when you see God’s loving kindness working through others, it causes you to stop and take notice because it provides a glimpse into heaven and makes the Gospel all the more believable.
When God saw that we would be unable to save ourselves through any earthly means, in His kindness and compassion, He sent Christ, His only begotten Son to save us permanently and for eternity. God put kindness into action by sending us his Son so that we are saved.
Illustration: During World War II, a young paratrooper, David Webster of E Company, 101st Airborne wrote his mother, “Stop worrying about me. I joined the parachutists to fight. I intend to fight. If necessary, I shall die fighting, but don’t worry about this because no war can be won without young men dying. Those things which are precious are saved only by sacrifice.” What a profound statement! And how much more true that is when it comes to our salvation. If we are going to experience eternal joy and peace with the holy God, then somebody has to sacrifice. And that someone is Jesus. Jesus didn’t ignore our sin, brush it off or hide in a cosmic footlocker. The holy God never would have settled for that. Instead, Jesus assumed your sin and let God crush him. It was on his cross that the kindness of God and the justice of God came together.
3. Kindness is Powerful [Colossians 3: 12 – 13]
One of the amazing ideas that come from Scripture is that you and I are actually invited to be channels of God’s loving kindness to others. Each of us has opportunities every single week to reject the temptations of power and bitterness and instead express God’s loving kindness to a person who doesn’t deserve it. Whether it’s a rebellious child or a bitter ex-husband, an angry co-worker or a demanding boss, an abusive parent or someone who takes advantage of you in business, every time we don’t return evil for evil but rather return evil with good, we live into the loving kindness of God and share in His ministry of reconciliation and hope. This doesn’t mean we should be co-dependent and enable bad behavior. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is speak truth to a person and hold them accountable for the things they say and do. And yet to be a channel of God’s kindness to others when they don’t deserve it is to reject the desire to be bitter or to get even. We can leave justice in the hands of God, who is in a much better position than we are to sort things out, and we can look to Him to be our defender. When we are channels of God’s kindness in the world, we create hope and healing, and the rippling effect can be dramatic.
When David brought Mephibosheth Jonathan’s son to live with him, he exhibited that his compassion and kindness were above the hatred of Saul. Kindness was more powerful than anyone can imagine.
When the Samaritan picked up the robbed and beaten up man on the road and left him with a physician to be cared and healed for, what an impact he was making in the life of this man and the physician also.
Our acts of kindness can radically impact people who may never change, but these acts may break them to transform. You just can’t imagine what impact you are leaving in their hearts when you show acts of kindness to people around you. That is the power of kindness, which happens to be one of the virtues of the ‘Fruit of the Spirit.’
Example: During the volcanic eruption of Mt. St. Helens in the state of Washington a number of years ago, intense heat melted the dirt, leaving bare rock covered with a thick coat of ash. Members of the Forest Service wondered how much time would have to pass before any living thing would grow there again. One day a park employee stumbled across a lush patch of vegetation formed in the shape of an elk. Plants had sprouted from the organic material that lay where the elk had been buried by volcanic ash. From then on, the naturalists looked for such patches of green in order to calculate the loss of wildlife.
Philip Yancey has written that Christians can help establish patches of green in the gray ash of a lost and decaying world. In the midst of hate and strife we should offer forgiveness and peace. In the midst of oppression and injustice we should offer freedom and fairness. In the midst of immorality and falsehood we should offer righteousness and truth. This is what it means to be a channel of God’s hesed to a lost and broken world.
Illustration: “A little lame boy was once hurrying to catch a train. In the press of the crowd he experienced real difficulty in manipulating his crutches, especially as he was carrying a basket full of fruit and candy. As the passengers rushed along, one hit the basket by mistake, knocking oranges, apples, and candy bars in all directions. The man who caused the accident paused only long enough to scold the cripple for getting in his way. Another gentleman, seeing the boy’’ distress, went to his aid. Quickly he picked up the fruit and added a silver dollar to the collection, saying, ‘I’m sorry, Sonny! I hope this makes up a little!’” With a smile he was on his way. The young boy who had seldom been the recipient of such kindness called after the ‘good Samaritan’ in gratitude and awe, ‘Mister - please sir, are you Jesus?’ “No,’ replied his new-found friend, ‘I’m only one of His followers.’ So too the people whose lives we touch need to see the Lord in our acts of compassion and Christian kindness.”
Conclusion: Our emphasis on kindness may sound good in theory, but does it really happen in practice? Does the Holy Spirit actually help us to develop kindness? Are not some people just “naturally” kind?
It is impossible to produce genuine Christ-like kindness as described in Galatians 5: 22 by us. A new heart is required. Then a growth process follows which can only take place as we submit to and obey the Holy Spirit. He nurtures those positive character changes that are reflected in our relationships.
Through Him I found the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit, who helped me turn that cruelty into kindness. When that happens, we need the powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit to walk through those hurts without bitterness.
If we are willing, He enables us to respond in love and kindness. He gives the strength to forgive, and heals painful memories. We must purpose in our hearts not to be part of the cruelty in our church and world. Rather, we must be sensitive to the needs of people, showing kindness to those we serve — to friends and enemies alike.
May we resolve, in our cultivation of the fruit of kindness, to seek the inexhaustible resources of the gentle, yet dynamic Holy Spirit whom God has so graciously poured out on us to manifest kindness. For it is “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).
