Devotionals for the Heart: Kindness

Kindness is only from the Lord
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB) and 1 John 4:15-21 (NASB)

We’ve looked at the first four Fruit of the Spirit to see that it is not a random list of attributes. There is a distinct order to the fruit that are listed. Once the love of God is shown and accepted there is joy inexpressible, which leads to peace with knowing the Father is in total control of everything, then we can be patient with the timing of the outcome. Kindness, however, is a direct outflow of ALL of these other fruit.

We are loved because He first loved us. If you read the whole passage where this verse is found, you realize that love starts everything. Love casts out fear. What an amazingly powerful thing! Love is what kindness is rooted in, because you have to have a love of God to even be kind at all.

We cannot hate our brother or sister and still love God. Hate has no place in the heart surrendered to Him. I’ve watched so many believers tear each other apart, and been brokenhearted at what the Father must feel to see His children acting that way towards one another. Someone from another denomination may be the joke or the brunt of a sarcastic comment. That is not the kindness the Holy Spirit wishes to give through us to other believers, let alone a dying world.

I have had people lie to me, talk slanderously about me, and even curse me to my face. Earlier in my life, I likely would have gotten right back in their face and given them something to think about. Now? Now I let the Father tell me what I should say…most of the time…okay, maybe some of the time.

Our fruit is not just for ourselves. In fact, I would dare to say it’s not for us at all! It is to be shown to hurting people God puts into our paths, whether they are blood brothers/sisters in Christ or not. We, as the church, look so much like the world. We treat others with disrespect when we feel disrespected. We “don’t deserve to be treated that way,” and then demand better treatment. There are times to speak up – that is true – but how many times has the Lord told you to do so versus your flesh? How kind were you in the moment when you spoke up?

I’m a pretty direct person. I say what I mean and mean what I say. My husband likes to tell people that everyone knows where they stand with me, and I don’t see that as a bad thing. Only because I allow the kindness of God to be what speaks first. Not all the time, like I wish I would, but I’m hoping it’s more times than not. There is no doubt where I stand on things. I have my beliefs. I can tell you why I believe them according to the Word of God. I don’t apologize for those beliefs. However, I don’t treat others badly if they don’t agree. Anger and contempt never won anyone to another’s side of an issue. How can I expect someone to want to know Christ if malice and hatred are what I give them?

I’ve heard it said that kindness is free. No, it’s not. Kindness still requires a dying to self. It’s easy to be kind when others are doing the same. It is Godly to be kind when they are not kind to you. That fruit has to be something the Spirit does in you. We are not kind by human nature…not one of us. Thank God that He is not done with us, yet!

My Prayer: Dear God (Heavenly Daddy), My human side wants to be respected. I want to have others treat me well. They don’t always do that, but You call me to something greater still. You call me to be kind, as Your Son was kind, even as they tried Him, flogged Him, and crucified Him. He spoke no unkind words through it all. Make me more like Him. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

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Author Bio:
A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth. 

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

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