Do you see kindness as a weakness—or controlled strength in action? God’s word and the world are at direct odds in their definitions. God’s word sees kindness as essential; it reflects God’s heart. The world considers kindness as optional—something you do when the mood strikes or when you feel good. God’s word sees kindness as a strength, while the world sees it as a weakness. Scripture sees kindness as costly. The world sees it as a convenience. God’s word sees kindness flowing from our relationship with Christ. The world says kindness comes and goes with our emotions. God’s word says kindness is for those who are undeserving. The world says kindness is for those who have earned it.
Kindness may be absent today because it’s so misunderstood. When someone rubs us the wrong way, our immediate response is to push back, prove a point, or put them in their place. But kindness should mirror how Christ would respond. He absorbed the blows, the criticism, the rejection.
Kindness comes with the cost of patience, humility, and self-control. We are unable to produce this fruit on our own strength. We need the Holy Spirit’s help. We need to abide in Christ so that, when a quick temper or prejudice does not prevent us from being kind.
Kindness is not weakness; it’s strength under the Holy Spirit’s control.
Scripture
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Paul wrote these words to believers trying to live out a new kind of identity in Christ. Ephesus was a city built on success—driven, competitive, and proud. In that culture, kindness looked weak, and forgiveness looked foolish. Paul turned that thinking upside down.
He reminded them that kindness isn’t optional—it’s the proof of a changed life. Gentleness wasn’t passivity; it was strength under control. In a world chasing position, Paul pointed to compassion. In a culture obsessed with winning, he pointed to grace.
And he didn’t leave the standard open to interpretation—he anchored it in Christ Himself. We forgive because we’ve been forgiven. We show kindness not as a reaction, but as a reflection of the One who lives within us.
Application
Kindness is not a personality trait we can master while reading a self-help book. Think about how Christ responded to His aggressors, or the disciples—plain, ordinary men who were spit upon, beaten with rods, and dragged from the city and stoned. Showing kindness under these dire circumstances takes “Holy Spirit” strength.
Why is it so easy to display the fruit of this world—indifference, hopelessness, chaos, impatience, selfishness, evil, unfaithfulness, harshness, and indulgence? It’s easy to display the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit because our natural instinct is self-preservation, not surrender. The flesh doesn’t need to be taught impatience, pride, harshness, or anger—these traits come as standard equipment.
Let’s examine what kindness looks like when displayed by a Spirit-led man:
When assaults come, he absorbs the hit—he doesn’t respond with equal or overwhelming force. He doesn’t escalate an argument before listening or seeking a peaceful resolution. He doesn’t offer criticism; instead, he offers encouragement. He doesn’t look to control a situation before letting God handle things. He doesn’t look for flaws in others before offering compliments.
“Here’s a response I haven’t mastered yet: Thanking God there was no accident when cut off in traffic.”
A Spirit-led man listens fully. He slows down long enough to notice someone struggling. He quickly forgives. He serves quietly. He gives generously.
People can show kindness. Believers, above all else, should display the fruit of the Spirit naturally.
This may hurt, but the display of the fruit of the Spirit is a sign of spiritual maturity.
Today’s Challenge: surprise yourself
Do one unexpected act of kindness today—especially for someone who can’t repay you. It could be a coworker who irritates you, a neighbor you barely know, or a family member who drains your patience. Don’t do it for credit. Don’t announce it. Just serve quietly, and let it shift something inside you.
Then pray this:
“Father, thank You for showing me that kindness isn’t weakness—it’s power under Your control. When I’m tempted to react, remind me how Jesus responded—with mercy instead of pride, patience instead of anger. Fill me with Your Spirit so my words build up, not tear down. Teach me to love people who test my limits and to lead with gentleness that reflects Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Final Thought
The world will never celebrate quiet kindness. It doesn’t trend. It doesn’t build brands. But every act of kindness—every gentle word, every patient response—is a declaration that you’re on the right track.
Kindness doesn’t mean you let people walk all over you. It means you walk with God through the people who do.
This week’s step: Each day this week, practice “controlled strength”:
- Day 1: Be kind when it’s inconvenient.
- Day 2: Forgive someone without explaining yourself.
- Day 3: Speak encouragement instead of sarcasm.
- Day 4: Help someone privately—no credit, no post.
- Day 5: Pray for someone you find difficult to love.
By the end of the week, you’ll realize something powerful—kindness doesn’t just change the person who receives it. It transforms the man who gives it.
Greek Word Meanings for Each Fruit.
download this PRINT-friendly devotional for your next men’s breakfast or Bible study.
|
|
|
