Then he said, “May you be blessed of the Lord, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich. (Ruth 3:10 ESV)
The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness
My mother once asked me, after hearing about a fight at school, if I had been kind. I answered, not trying to be funny, “kind of…”
I had not punched as hard as I could have… I had walked away after I had won, instead of really finishing him off. I had not shouted obscenities, insults, or curses.
So, it seemed to me that I was kind of kind. I didn’t get it, did I?
People find it hard to be kind, because we have so many opposites of kindness. Pride is the opposite of kindness. Selfishness is the opposite of kindness. Mistrust is the opposite of kindness. Self-justification is the opposite of kindness. Justice is the opposite of kindness. Indifference is the opposite of kindness.
Kindness is rare.
But for Christians, it does not have to be. Ruth was kind when she was thoughtful, patient, and hopeful towards Boaz. David was kind when he did not demand revenge on Mephibosheth. The good Samaritan was kind when he was willing to sacrifice for a man in trouble. And of course, Jesus Christ was kind.
Jesus is kind when He does not treat us as we deserve. Jesus is kind when He blesses, while He could punish and curse. Jesus is kind when He chooses to love, when He could simply ignore. Jesus is kind when He said, and did, this: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them (Matthew 7:12 ESV).
And even though we have learned for most of our lives that self-protection is better than kindness, we can be kind. We can imitate Christ.
And even though we prefer revenge and getting even, we can be kind. We can imitate Christ.
And even though we do not readily notice opportunities to be kind, we can be kind. We can imitate Christ.
Because we are Christ’s. And He gives us that ability.
Kindness is a fruit.