We continue are reading of “A Woman’s Walk with God” by Elizabeth George. It is a study of the Fruit of the Spirit. Today we look at chapter seven – “Planning for Kindness.”
The fruit of the Spirit is…kindness. Galatians 5:22
Yesterday I talked about a Beth Moore simulcast I attended where she talked on the “Law of Kindness.” She taught on different taste of kindness.
Elizabeth George also takes a deeper look into kindness. She tells us right from the beginning that “the highest compliment a Christian woman can receive is to be described as ‘too nice’. When people say that of you or me, we can know we are truly exhibiting the Spirit’s fruit!”
We as women of God are called to kindness. Our walk “involves living out several commands given to us in God’s Word.”
We are warned in Ephesians 4:25-32 against conduct that hurts the heart of God. “This conduct includes various forms of meanness (bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking), all which God calls us to banish from our lives. Instead, we are to ‘be kind to one another.’” It’s obvious our kindness is indeed an action that pleases God.
Another call to kindness is found in Colossians 3:12 where God tells us to “put on a heart of …kindness.” “Kindness is one of the basic Christian virtues that helps govern human relationships.”
One more call to kindness is found in 2 Timothy 2:24. The apostle Paul tells us how to act towards those who are not Christians. “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all.” “It’s a fact that kindness has been an important element in Christian witnessing since the early centuries.”
The author then asks us the reader several important and thought provoking questions.
1. Do you consider yourself to be kind?“Kindness has been defined as tenderness and concern for other people. Kindness is also a sweetness of disposition and a matter of the heart.” The authors own definition of kindness is “kindness plans to do something. We get up and go looking for opportunities to do something. Kindness goes out looking, wondering, and asking, ‘Who needs love? How can I ease someone’s burden? How can I touch another person?’”
2. Are you trying to “stop being mean” and to instead put on a heart of compassion and kindness towards others?
3. Are you seeking to please God by your kindness rather than cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by any unkindness?
4. As you spiritually prepare yourself every morning, do you choose to put on the robe of kindness?
The author shares about the opposite of kindness. “For instance, arguing. Certain behaviors signal to us that we are not walking by the Spirit or practicing God’s kindness, and one of those flashing red lights is arguing. In 2 Timothy 2:24, Paul says that the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all. Therefore, when you or I find ourselves striving or quarrelling, arguing or quibbling, we can be sure that this behavior ‘is not that which comes from above’ (James 3:15), but is instead coming from our own flesh. Galatians 5:20 even lists strife, disputing, and dissention among the evil deeds of the flesh.”
“Imagine the home…the office…or the church without any arguing! And imagine the same energy that contention, strife, and arguing consume channeled toward kindness instead.”
There are four ways the author gives us to cultivate kindness:
1. Caring is a part of kindness – when we genuinely care about someone, we find ourselves paying attention to the circumstances of their lives and being concerned about their welfareHere is a thought provoking question the author asks at the end of chapter seven:
2. Thinking is a part of kindness – think about others and the conditions of their lives
3. Noticing is a part of kindness – notice other people’s needs
4. Touching is a part of kindness – think of kindness as the tender touch of concern and compassion.
Who in your life tempts you to be unkind? What interactions with people especially challenge your efforts to be kind?
What will it take for you to step up in your relationship with God to better become a Woman of Kindness?
Let’s pray. Father, I thank You that You provide Your kindness to us. I know that I haven’t always walked in Your kindness. I ask that You help me in this area. And help those reading this to walk in Your kindness as well. Help us to care about others; think about others, notice others; and give a tender touch to others. Help us not to be quarrelsome or argumentative with others, but rather to extend kindness. Help us to be too nice to those around us. Thank You Father. We love and appreciate You. We declare that there is none like You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Blessings,
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