Kindness falls right in the middle of the list of the nine traits of the Spirit. As I write out and read over verses that have the word kindness (or in some cases, lovingkindess), it seems there is almost always an action included. Kindness is more than something we feel; it’s something we do.
In Job 6:14 we read this:
Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend
forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Do those words give you pause as they do me? Do you find them sobering? We often speak of sharing “random acts of kindness” as a way to make ourselves — as well as the recipient — feel good. A fine thing when we do it, but no consequences when we don’t.
This passage from Job forces us to consider that choosing not to release kindness is serious business.
Holy reverence for the almighty God should prompt followers of Christ to release kindness when it is within our ability to do so. To be kind is to just simply be nice. (And Christians sometimes are anything but nice.)
Where — and from whom — are we holding out? And why are we holding out?
- Do we use our full plate of commitments and responsibilities as an excuse to shirk the opportunity to release kindness?
- Do we deem the person before us as unworthy of our time or resources?
- Do I dismiss the opportunity as “not my job?”
- Are we just too selfish to be interrupted?
The sobering words of Job pierce my heart. They make me realize that I’m not simply protecting my schedule or resources; instead, I’m forsaking the fear of God.
What comes to mind when you read “fear of the Almighty?” Perhaps we tend to soften the “fear factor” where God is concerned. In our Western world, many modern-day believers are reluctant to portray God as fearsome. Maybe it’s much more comfortable to visualize Him as a doting grandfather. We sometimes want to see Him only as a God of love, and forget He is also a God of righteousness. He is to be feared: to be respected, revered, bowed to, and obeyed.
As I examine my own heart, I am challenged to ask: Do I take God seriously? Do I take my walk with Him seriously? Do I take His Word seriously? Does fear of God (and love of God) prompt me to release acts of kindness when it is within my ability to do so … or perhaps even outside my ability, but possible for God?
Job specifically mentions kindness to a friend. Releasing kindness to a friend should be an easy decision … pleasant assignment. Can we ask God to give us an opportunity to live this out?
Our choice to release kindness not only strengthens our bonds of friendship with the one we choose to bless, it also exhibits a holy fear of our great God. He is the One who, in providing our salvation, showed the greatest kindness of all.
Will you choose to ask God for a kindness assignment, then look for the open door of opportunity and walk on through?
These cool fall days may find you picking apples at a local orchard. We also hope it finds you reading, writing, and studying about fruit — the Fruit of the Spirit, that is!
There are NINE different traits that Galatians 5 identifies as Fruit of the Spirit. During October, we’ve written out verses about the first four: love, joy, peace, and patience. We will complete our study of the remaining five traits in November, and we invite you to join us! We hope you’ll enjoy our most recent teaching video, featuring Laura’s introduction of the upcoming month’s study:
Find this month’s Fruit of the Spirit, Part II bookmark and S.O.A.P. Bible study pages on our Downloads page.
