Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness
FFC January Devo - Kindness
Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Discussion
Over the past few months our small group has been slowly moving through the Fruit of the Spirit, and this month we land on Kindness. At first glance I thought “no big deal,” but as I read and reflected a bit deeper, the implications grew for how my life could honor God in a greater way. And what better way to start off 2026 with some faith-based goals (I am admittedly a big list guy) in addition to other things that may take our attention – profession, family, finance, activities, trips, etc.
Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul contrasts two ways of living: life driven by the flesh and life led by the Spirit. The “fruit of the Spirit” is not a checklist to conquer but evidence that God’s Spirit is alive and active within us. Among these fruits, kindness often seems small - quiet, gentle, almost unremarkable. Yet Scripture places it at the very heart of Spirit-formed character. Biblical kindness is more than politeness or good manners. It is a disposition of grace that reflects God’s own heart. Romans tells us that God’s kindness leads us to repentance - not fear, not pressure, but kindness. In the same way, Spirit-grown kindness in us becomes a powerful witness to others. It softens hard places, restores dignity, and opens doors that force never could.
Kindness is love expressed in action. It notices pain without being asked. It responds gently when harshness would feel justified. It chooses compassion when indifference would be easier. When Paul lists kindness among the fruit, he reminds us that it is not something we manufacture by willpower. True kindness flows from abiding in Christ and yielding to the Spirit.
Practicing kindness often costs us something - time, pride, comfort, or the right to be “right.” Jesus modeled this perfectly. He touched the untouchable, spoke tenderly to the broken, and showed patience to those who misunderstood Him. When the Spirit produces kindness in us, we begin to reflect Christ to a watching world. In daily life, kindness may look unspectacular: a calm response in conflict (with a crew member?), a listening ear (on a call?), a generous assumption instead of a critical one (in my marriage?). But heaven notices. Small acts of Spirit-led kindness carry eternal weight because they reveal the nature of God Himself. Kindness is never wasted. When the Spirit cultivates it in us, even the smallest act becomes a living testimony of God’s love at work.
Reflection
Where is the Holy Spirit inviting me to show kindness today - especially where it feels undeserved?
Do my words and reactions reflect God’s kindness, even under stress?
How might kindness be a doorway for God to work in someone else’s life through me?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, grow Your fruit in me. Teach me to reflect the kindness of Christ in my words, attitudes, and actions. Help me slow down, notice others, and respond with grace. May my kindness point people not to me, but to You. Amen.