Have you noticed the pattern yet? So far, all of these have revolved around choices and today is no different. There is nothing about this word that suggests emotional reactions to things, but rather a choice and a decision to be gentle and kind in our character. The dictionary will give us such things as "friendly, generous, or considerate." The Greek word actually lists both kindness and "benignity" as a meaning for this Greek word. I like that picture. Not something malignant and taking over and destroying wherever it goes; but something that is benign. I get the image and idea of being present but non-obtrusive.
The interesting thing is that the word used in Galatians 5:22 is the same as Romans 3:12 where is says that "All have turned aside...no one does good."
Ephesians 2:4-10 is such an amazing section of Scripture. I mean, we have God's great love for us, and we have our own inability to do anything to save ourselves SO THAT no man can boast in what he has done. There is, however, also a great line in verse 7 about how, in the ages to come, God is going to show his immeasurable grace to us in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. That's the kindness we are looking for too in Galatians.
Colossians 3 is about putting on the new self that we have in Christ and verse 12 specifically lists kindness as well.
Titus 3 is a wonderful passage that gives us several reminders about how we are to act as Christians (including being submissive to rulers and authority) and verse 4 tells us that when Christ appeared it was his goodness and loving kindness that appeared...and he saved us!
Why do I bring up those passages? Because this is the Bible we are talking about. Not only am I NOT a good commentary, but the Bible is it's own best commentary, so I thought we could look at the other places that word is found. I hope that you clicked the links and looked at some of the context surrounding the verses. Being kind is not natural and the older we get the easier/harder it can become. :o) It's easier in certain settings, but much harder in others. However, for God to be glorified, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and one thing that will produce, is kindness and gentleness in our character and bearing.
Lastly, look at the interplay with the different aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit so far. Kindness is going to work to produce more love, joy, peace, and patience....and love, joy, peace, and patience will work to produce more kindness. Also, if any of these are missing, it will be a detriment to the others. Each one helps to build the others and, by nature, having one of them missing will also make the others harder to practice as well. That's why this is the Fruit (singular) of the Spirit and NOT the fruits (plural).
To God be the glory!
The interesting thing is that the word used in Galatians 5:22 is the same as Romans 3:12 where is says that "All have turned aside...no one does good."
Ephesians 2:4-10 is such an amazing section of Scripture. I mean, we have God's great love for us, and we have our own inability to do anything to save ourselves SO THAT no man can boast in what he has done. There is, however, also a great line in verse 7 about how, in the ages to come, God is going to show his immeasurable grace to us in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. That's the kindness we are looking for too in Galatians.
Colossians 3 is about putting on the new self that we have in Christ and verse 12 specifically lists kindness as well.
Titus 3 is a wonderful passage that gives us several reminders about how we are to act as Christians (including being submissive to rulers and authority) and verse 4 tells us that when Christ appeared it was his goodness and loving kindness that appeared...and he saved us!
Why do I bring up those passages? Because this is the Bible we are talking about. Not only am I NOT a good commentary, but the Bible is it's own best commentary, so I thought we could look at the other places that word is found. I hope that you clicked the links and looked at some of the context surrounding the verses. Being kind is not natural and the older we get the easier/harder it can become. :o) It's easier in certain settings, but much harder in others. However, for God to be glorified, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and one thing that will produce, is kindness and gentleness in our character and bearing.
Lastly, look at the interplay with the different aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit so far. Kindness is going to work to produce more love, joy, peace, and patience....and love, joy, peace, and patience will work to produce more kindness. Also, if any of these are missing, it will be a detriment to the others. Each one helps to build the others and, by nature, having one of them missing will also make the others harder to practice as well. That's why this is the Fruit (singular) of the Spirit and NOT the fruits (plural).
To God be the glory!
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