To read all of the posts in this series, click here.

Our key scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 – ESV
²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Moving right along in our study, we’re going to talk about faithfulness this week.  Faithfulness (or faith) in the Greek is pistis – πίστις – and means

1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it

a) relating to God

            1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ

b) relating to Christ

             1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God

c) the religious beliefs of Christians

d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same

             2) fidelity, faithfulness

                            a) the character of one who can be relied on

That’s a lot, right?  But really all of those are traits we should be displaying when we show faithfulness or have faith.  I think the one that struck me the most is “fidelity, faithfulness, the character of one who can be relied on.” I know that we can look at that from a human perspective:  we should be faithful in our marriages, in our friendships, etc.

But most important, we should be faithful to God.

Yeah.  I said that.

Faithful to God.

How often do we cheat on Him by allowing our time to be swallowed up by less important things?  How often do we push Him to the side because we have other pressing matters to deal with.  How often do we choose TV or computers or phones or whatever?

I know I’m guilty of it.

I’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again:

If I spent the same amount of time with my husband as I currently do with God, would I still be married today?

Do I show faithfulness to Him as well those around me?  Do I show faithfulness with the small things He’s entrusted to me?  Am I reflecting His character at all times?

These are the things that cross my mind as I look at faithfulness.  That word packs a big punch, ya know?

I want to be counted faithful.

I want to hear those words one day:

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’  Matthew 25:21

Don’t you?

To read all of the posts in this series, click here.

Well I don’t know about you but I am learning so much through this series.  I thoroughly enjoy digging into God’s word to see what His heart is for His kids.
Today, it’s all about kindness.

Our key scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 – ESV
²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Our Greek word for kindness is chrēstos. The definition:

1) moral goodness, integrity

2) benignity, kindness

But to appreciate this word, we need to look at the root word:  χρηστός

1) fit, fit for use, useful

           a) virtuous, good

2) manageable

           a) mild, pleasant (as opp. to harsh, hard sharp, bitter)

           b) of things: more pleasant, of people, kind, benevolent

Looks like we’re in for another tough one this week.  God has a lot to say about being kind to one another.  When I was looking up the scripture references, I was amazed at the straight-forwardness of His directive:  BE KIND.  Pretty much sums it up.  So without further delay, I’m going to lay some of the Scriptures out here for you to see:

 

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13

 

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I think one of the most difficult things I find to do in my Christian walk is to temper my direct personality with more kindness.  My heart wants to be kinder but sometimes, because I love the bottom line and want to get past all of the fluff, I tend to shoot straight for the point and by pass the other stuff.  I have been practicing kindness in a more deliberate manner these days and I must say it’s not always easy.

But I love being kind.

And I want to reflect Him.

He is always kind – even when He corrects or disciplines us.

In being kind I think we can easily add in active listening.  Why?  Well, when we show kindness it’s because we are attentive to the needs of those around us, right?  And to be attentive to the needs of those around us, we must be actively listening – really listening – to others in order to help them when they are in need.

Sure, we are kind in other ways too.  But I really feel that these 2 things are connected.  I’ve noticed when I really listen to someone – meaning I’m not trying to figure out what I’m going to say back while they’re still talking – then it’s much easier to empathize or relate or just respond in kindness.

You know how it is when you and your spouse are, ummmmm, fighting??  If you are constantly interrupting to say what you want to make your point, then you aren’t listening to them.  So it’s really hard to respond in kindness and fight fairly if it’s a “IwantotbeheardbecauseI’mrightandyouarewrong” kind of argument.

Not that I’ve ever done that mind you.

I was just using it for an example.

Ahem.

So being kind – even when others don’t necessarily deserve it.

Not. easy.

But doable.

Especially when we are walking with Him and the fruit of the spirit is active in our lives.

Ready to be kind?