Introduction:

1. This fruit is the outworking of love to those around us.

2. As is often true, this fruit may be easier said than done.

3. This cruel, harsh, fallen world desperately needs kindness.

4. It also needs to know the source and motive for that kindness.

Discussion:

I. Kindness Defined

A. Goodness of heart (Vine’s).

B. Moral goodness, benignity (Thayer)

C. “Grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would be harsh and austere” (Zodhiates).

D. “The considerateness that looks humanely and reasonably at the facts of the case” (Meadows).

II. God’s Kindness

A. Once again, this is a fruit (product, result) of His Spirit.

B. Kindness is a central characteristic of the nature of God (Numbers 14:18; Psalms 136; Romans 2:3-4; Ephesians 2:7; Titus 3:4-7).

C. Giving His Son is the greatest expression (Ephesians 2:7).

D. His kindness holds His wrath at bay (Romans 2:4).

E. Sharing His kindness in Christ He grants us: (Titus 3:4-8)

1. Salvation (vs. 5)

2. Regeneration and renewal by His Spirit (vs. 5)

3. Justification by grace (vs. 7; cf. Ephesians 2:4-9)

4. Heirship with hope of eternal life (vs. 7; Galatians 4:4-7)

III. Our Kindness

A. God’s kindness is not for us to merely acknowledge; it is for us to mirror in our lives (Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12-14; Ephesians 4:32-5:2).

B. This kindness is to be shown to both friend and foe (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:34-35; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Peter 3:8-12).

C. A closer look at the passages shows an unending concern for and promotion of the ultimate good of everyone.

D. Once again, this fruit is not optional for if we are unkind to others, we forfeit God’s kindness to us (Matthew 18:21-35).

1. Where would we be without the kindness of our great God?

2. Where would we be without the kindness of people in our lives?

3. May we give our best to produce this desperately needed fruit of the Spirit of God in our lives.

4. Such kindness cannot help promoting the glory of God and the good of mankind.