“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against
such things there is no law.”
(Galatians 5:22-23)
We have reached the fifth of the nine fruit of the Spirit that Paul writes about to the Christians in the church of Galatia. When we as Christians allow our lives to be shaped and directed by God’s Holy Spirit, we are empowered to show kindness to others.
Matthew 5:16 points out that we can
recognize a tree by its fruit: a fig tree will produce figs, a grapevine will give
us grapes, and a Christian who has allowed the Holy Spirit to take the lead in
his or her interactions with others will show kindness!
Kindness can influence our thoughts,
words, and actions. It involves being friendly, generous, and considerate when
it comes to how we think about, speak to, and act towards others. Through the
power of God’s Holy Spirit, it is possible for us to be kind, even in difficult
situations, such as when we aren’t in a good mood, or when we feel that others
are not being kind to us.
Family Kindness
Brainstorming
When we set an intention to approach
our world with kindness, we are more likely to notice opportunities to show
kindness, rather than letting those opportunities pass us by. Spend some time talking
as a family about ways we can go about our day and move about in our world in a
posture of kindness. Make a list as the ideas begin to flow! Here are some ideas
for simple, everyday kindnesses to include:
1. Smile at people as we pass, rather than frowning or looking away.
2. Use phrases like "please" and "thank you" to help people feel appreciated.
3. Look behind us as we walk through a door to see if there is someone to hold it open for.
4. Le someone in front of us in line.
5. Offer to help with bags or other burdens when we see someone who is overloaded.
6. Take time to listen to someone who has a problem or challenge, especially when we know they have no one else to talk to.
7. Offer to help with tasks around the house, rather than waiting to be asked, or complaining and grumbling when we are asked.
8. Offer a compliment or word of encouragement.
Kindness is really about showing God’s
love flowing through us by our actions! How can we show LOVE by our ACTIONS?
Visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation web site for resources and ideas related to practicing kindness. You will find posters, calendars, bookmarks,
award certificates, and coloring pages to download, as well as games,
quotations, and videos to enjoy. If you become overwhelmed by bad news, this
site is a great place to visit to read stories of kindness, which God can use
to lighten your burden and strengthen your spirit.
Gratitude Gifts
With
many stores being closed right now, many of us are doing some of our shopping
online and receiving packages delivered right to our homes. Delivery workers
are on the move! As an act of kindness, the Kids for Peace site suggests leaving
a basket of goodies by the door for the delivery drivers to choose from. The basket
might include bottles of water, oranges, chocolates—even rolls of toilet paper!
Check out their web site for some fun messages of appreciation to match up with
these items.
**********************************************
Parents, we are the role models of kindness
for our children, and Jesus is our role model. He practiced kindness to people
who were usually ignored or mistreated in the time and place in which he lived:
women, children, people of other religions, the sick, the weak, the sinful. He
came alongside them, provided for them, and healed them. But you know what he
did for them that we have the power to do for every single person we meet? He
PRAYED for them. And that is perhaps the greatest kindness we have to offer the
people of the world. Take time each day to lift your family, your community,
and your world before God in your prayers. Let Him know that you are coming
alongside Him in the work that He wants to do in His people, that you want to
be a part of His plan and His purposes. Offer Him a heart that is willing to care,
to encourage, and to serve.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as
God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
If you missed the earlier posts on fruit of the spirit, you can find them here:
Each Fruit of the Spirit is important, to practice as well as teach. But I think kindness is so essential and this post gives parents some easy ways to make it part of everyday life -- for ourselves as well as our children.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of Gratitude gifts also!
Thank you for your visit and your comment! Kindness is a habit we all benefit from, and it can be practiced through such simple, but meaningful acts.
ReplyDelete