By David Faust
It’s misguided to view the twin fruits of the Spirit, kindness and goodness, as abstract, sugary-sweet concepts. Kindness and goodness are not soft like marshmallows and cottony clouds. Like the rest of the Spirit’s fruit, they are practical, real-world qualities rooted in the nature of God.
Good God, Kind King
Kind people have a gracious, generous disposition toward others. God is a kind King, a compassionate Father (Psalm 103:13), and a tender-hearted shepherd (Isaiah 40:11). His kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
The Greek word for kindness, chrestos, is only one letter different from christos, the name for Christ. Jesus used chrestos when he said, “My yoke is easy” (Matthew 11:30, New International Version). Christ’s kindness contrasts sharply with a harsh “what’s in it for me” attitude. The Lord also used chrestos to describe the mellow taste of old wine (Luke 5:39), which contains no bitterness. Kindness makes us sweet-spirited instead of bitter, service-minded instead of self-centered, merciful instead of hyper-critical.
Goodness reflects God’s holiness, purity, and moral uprightness. “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:9). And the Greek word for goodness (agathousune) has a practical side as well. Paul used this word in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 when he prayed that God’s power would “bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.”
Jesus showed kindness and goodness throughout his ministry—including on the cross as he promised salvation to a dying thief, asked the Father to forgive his killers, and provided for the care of his mother.
Tough and Tender
Kindness and goodness sharpen our moral sensitivities, helping us distinguish right from wrong.
Kindness and goodness tenderize our attitudes. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Why give sacrificially to support worthy causes? Why surrender your own preferences for the benefit of others? Why show mercy to people who don’t deserve it, can’t pay you back, and may not even say “thanks”? Kindness and goodness move us to go the extra mile.
Kindness and goodness shape our speech, helping us find the right tone and the right words when it’s time to voice unpopular truths or engage in hard conversations. “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).
When I was a young preacher leading a newly planted church in Long Island, New York, our fledgling congregation tried to buy a building where we could worship and grow. After months of promising negotiations, another buyer outbid us at the last minute and the deal fell through. Deeply discouraged, I met with the director of a mission organization, an older man I greatly respected. I poured out my heart and told him I was on the verge of quitting. I knew he loved me and believed in what we were doing, so I expected him to be sympathetic.
But after listening carefully to my woes, my friend looked me in the eye and said, “A man’s true character shows itself in times of adversity.” I was stunned. I remember thinking, “That’s all you’ve got? That’s your way of helping me?”
Yes, it was. I had a picture in my mind of what kindness looked like. But on that day, I needed more than a reassuring hug. My advisor challenged me not to give up, but to be strong, get back to work, and keep trusting the Lord. A year later, God provided the opportunity for our congregation to purchase a building much better suited for our use, and the church still meets there to this day.
My wise friend’s advice had a hard edge, but it was kind and good.
Next Week: The Fruit of FAITHFULNESS.
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.
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