The Fruit of Kindness: More Than Just Being Nice

If you’ve been tracking with us at Blue Starr Church of Christ this fall, you know we’ve been walking through a sermon series called The Harvest. Our goal throughout this journey is to prepare our hearts for the day Christ returns by examining the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23.

As Christians, when we surrender our lives to Christ and are raised in baptism, we receive not only the forgiveness of our sins but the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). That Spirit actively produces real, tangible fruit in our lives as we walk hand-in-hand with God.

So far, we’ve talked about love, joy, peace, and patience. Today, we turn our attention to the next description on Paul's list: kindness.

1. Fruit Is Meant to Be Shared

When we think about spiritual growth, it’s easy to focus inward on our own habits and attitudes. While self-examination is important, the Fruit of the Spirit was never meant to be kept to ourselves.

Just as branches on a vine bear fruit for others to enjoy, the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness in us so that it can be shared with the world around us. God isn't simply trying to make us happier or nicer individuals; He is cultivating fruit in our lives as an evangelistic witness.

Sometimes God teaches us this in the most everyday moments—like navigating an airport with a toddler, a stroller, and far too many carry-on bags. When a gate agent excitedly accepted my offer to gate-check our bags and said, "Thank you, sir, that was so kind of you," it hit me: I was just trying to lighten my own load! But it served as a vivid reminder of how easily we oversimplify kindness, and how even small acts can carry an impact for Christ when driven by the right heart.

So what does true, biblical kindness actually look like?

2. God Was Kind to Us First

To understand biblical kindness, we have to look at the God who authored it. Before God ever instructs us to be kind to others, He demonstrates His own overwhelming kindness toward us.

In Ephesians 2:4–7, Paul writes:

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved... so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

Notice how God’s kindness is inextricably linked to His grace. God was kind to us when we didn't earn it, deserve it, or have our act together.

Titus 3:3–5 echoes this powerful truth:

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures... But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy..."

Real kindness isn't just polite etiquette; it is love in action that tears through the darkness. Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God didn't wait for us to clean up our lives before showing us mercy—He initiated kindness while we were still far from Him.

That is the foundation of Christian kindness. We aren't kind merely because people deserve it, or because it helps us get ahead in life. We are kind because God has been extraordinarily kind to us.

3. Kindness Leads to Transformation

God’s kindness is never passive—it moves us to action and changes hearts from the inside out. In Romans 2:4, Paul asks a piercing question:

"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"

God’s kindness isn't an excuse to stay where we are; it’s the very force that draws us to repentance and a transformed life. And once we've experienced that grace, we are called to clothe ourselves in it for the sake of others:

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." — Colossians 3:12

Kindness Is Love in Action

In 1 John 3:17–18, John challenges believers not to love merely in word or talk, but "in deed and in truth." True kindness goes beyond passive statements like "Let me know if you need anything" or "I'm praying for you." It steps up and actively meets a need—whether that's offering unexpected help, stepping in to relieve a burden, or serving someone behind the scenes.

Even more radically, Jesus calls us to extend this kindness to people who may never return the favor:

"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." — Luke 6:35

God was kind to the ungrateful and the evil—which describes every single one of us before Christ. When we show that same unconditional kindness to others, we become true ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

4. Becoming a Church That Shows Jesus

What would happen if our lives and our church family were so overflowing with Spirit-led kindness that everyone who crossed our path experienced the love of Christ?

You don't need a special title, a stage, or a pulpit to make a difference. You simply need a heart that is surrendered to the Holy Spirit and willing to reflect the kindness God has shown you. When we live as ambassadors of His grace—in our homes, workplaces, grocery stores, and church assemblies—people see Jesus.

This week, look around and ask yourself: "Where is my opportunity to show the kind of kindness that God has shown me?"

Are you longing to experience God’s kindness today?

No matter where you are in life, what you’ve been through, or what mistakes you’ve made, God’s loving kindness is extended to you. Through Jesus Christ, He offers full salvation, forgiveness, and the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. If you’re searching for a community to walk alongside you on your faith journey, we would love to welcome you this Sunday at Blue Starr Church of Christ. Connect with us here.