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Living the Light Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) “The fruit of the Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit's presence and working in the lives of maturing believers…” Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology What does it mean to be kind? I consider myself a nice, kind and polite person. I smile and speak to people. I hold open the door for the elderly, ladies and the very young. I try to say the right things at the right time (I need more practice in that area.) Kindness means to be gentle and considerate, to have a genuine concern for others, helpful to those in need with no expectation of any advantage or reward to the helper. When I smile or speak to another person, I usually expect the same in return. Holding a door open for anyone could get me a ‘Thank you’; when I do manage to say the right thing at the right time, I tend to be pretty proud of myself; so, now that I know what it means to be kind-- I am not as kind as I think I am. What, then, can I do to be kind? I can do for others what they seem unable to do for themselves. Not just hold open the door—but carry their load to their door. I can pay for a stranger’s meal--even if I have less food for myself. I can offer my place in line to the person behind me---no matter how long I have been waiting. Yes, even if their cart has more items than mine. I can recognize another’s feelings and empathize with and encourage him or her. I can offer a smile to the cashier that has been verbally abused all day, or a generous tip for the waitress, whose feet hurt and has worked double shifts, or a simple “No, thank you.” to the telemarketer that called me at my dinner time. I can pray for others--- when their tears won’t let them speak. Here are a few examples of what the Bible has to say about kindness: Our Creator is kind toward us. ” For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.” Psalms 117:2 (NIV) He shows His kindness to us…let us show kindness to others. “...Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” Joel 2:13 (NIV) There are no excuses to not be kind: “ Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Kindness Quote: “Have you ever noticed how much of Christ’s life was spent in doing kind things?” Henry Drummond Verse for this day: “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

Do you know what is great about a Saturday night? For me, it is preparing for Sunday morning by getting enough sleep and having everything at the ready to be on time for Sunday School and the a.m. service. There will be people to meet and people to greet. Some I will know and some I will get to know. I will show love because of the love Christ showed to me. I will find love for I am accepted. I plan to lift my voice in joy as the P&W team bring their offering of song before the assembly. With my lips of clay I will offer the sacrifice of praise for it removes the garment of heaviness. I will come expecting to see the hand of God move in my life as He stirs my soul to action. I will give out of my need for the Lord has promised to provide for His own---and I am one of His. The sermon will fill my ears with Scriptural truths that will inspire me to keep pressing on and to continue the good fight of faith. Those Words will bring my heart to shouts of rejoicing or bitter tears of repentance . Either way, Lord, have Your way in my life. See you there?