Savoring a Cup of Tea: Fruit of the Spirit (Kindness)

Check the "Savoring a Cup of Tea" index in the margin for links to other posts in this category.

Kindness is another lost virtue in our society; as a result, when this fruit of the Spirit is present in someone, it really stands out! I Corinthians 13 includes kindness as one of the first things love is: "Love is patient; it is kind...".

I think kindness is particularly in need with our living companions (husbands, roommates, children, etc.) and with the perfect stranger with whom you cross paths during your daily routines (grocery store clerks, mailman, bus driver, dry cleaner, etc.). Smile the next time you're checking out at the grocery store, dropping off the dry cleaning, going through the drive thru window; be polite and cheerful the next time you make a phone call to reserve a rental car or make a doctor's appointment.

When we are tired or frustrated with life in general, kindness seems to fly out the window, especially in relation to those in our own home. We are often nicer to our girl friends than to our husbands. So, as you pray for this fruit of the Spirit to be more manifest in your life, think of ways to demonstrate kindness to those you love most.

What is kindness? Dictionary.com lists several synonyms for "kindness": generosity, sympathy, compassion, tenderness. For "kind," it says the following: "Kind, gracious, kindhearted, kindly imply a sympathetic attitude toward others, and a willingness to do good or give pleasure. Kind implies a deep-seated characteristic shown either habitually or on occasion by considerate behavior."