The Holy Spirit’s fifth gift is Kindness. Obviously, even to our human reasoning, it’s easier to behave with kindness when Patience is already engaged. Love, Joy, and Peace are frequently categorized as emotions. Patience is an attitude, but Kindness is shown in action.
God chose every gift I’ve mentioned in this series of blogs to mold our character to match his. Providing observable evidence of His nature to those who are not yet following him. With Kindness, the Holy Spirit gives us the opportunity to move beyond “squishy” feelings and vague emotions, into actual hands-on involvement.

The Holy Spirit’s fifth gift is kindness. How should we show it?

The first three verses of 2 Samuel 9 give us hints. We’re not required to imagine anything astounding or new, but rather to respond practically, based on personal memories of the good things we’ve experienced because God motivated someone else to act. Saul’s son Jonathan had protected David when Saul intended to murder him.
After Saul and Jonathon were killed by Israel’s enemies, and David was crowned king, David sought out Saul’s handicapped grandson. Not to destroy him as someone who could threaten David’s reign, but to remove him from squalid conditions and provide for his welfare. These acts of kindness happened because David asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family that I can show the kindness of God to?”
This might be the root story hidden deep behind current popular culture’s concept of “paying it forward.”

That’s an example of what we should do, but what should we avoid?

Yes, there is something to avoid. Having experienced a history of God’s protection and covenant, Israel grew boastful about their relationship with God, rather than being an example that would draw unbelievers to repent, and become part of God’s people. He rebuked them for it.
The Holy Spirit’s fifth gift is kindness. Show it in your life because God delights in it.

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If you’ve ever been curious about Heidi’s fiction, there are links to short stories and an anthology on this page.

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