Kindness — Fruit of the Spirit
What is the smallest act of kindness that left the biggest mark on you?
Harvesting fresh sun-ripened Strawberries
Hands offering strawberries, bright and tender.
A small basket filled with fruit for others.
Kindness gives freely, simple and generous.
Several years ago, I was in a grocery store parking lot, juggling groceries and trying to calm a crying toddler. Out of nowhere, an older woman approached and said, “You’re doing a great job, Mama.” That was it. No grand gesture, just a sentence and a warm smile.
But I’ve never forgotten it. Why? Kindness has a way of slipping past our defenses and settling deep into our souls.
We often think of kindness as random acts—paying for someone’s coffee, holding a door open. Those are wonderful. But biblical kindness is more than occasional gestures. It’s a Spirit-produced posture of the heart that looks for opportunities to bless others, even when it costs us.
Our world feels short on kindness right now.
Social media is full of sharp words and criticism.
Families often rush past each other without pausing to encourage.
Even in churches, disagreements can crowd out gentleness and grace.
Kindness feels rare because it goes against our flesh. Our natural instinct is to put ourselves first. But kindness puts others first. And when believers consistently live out kindness, the world takes notice.
Homemade strawberry jam, topped with a gingham cap and tied with twine.
There’s a story of a man who rode the same bus every morning. Each day, he quietly handed the driver a small piece of candy and said, “I appreciate you.” The bus driver later shared, “That two-second kindness carried me through many long days.”
We may think small gestures don’t matter. But often, they are the very things God uses to encourage, soften hearts, or even open doors for the gospel.
Kindness is not weakness.
It is Spirit-given strength to love others.
Paul ties kindness directly to forgiveness. That’s because kindness isn’t about people “deserving it.” It’s about reflecting the heart of the One who showed us kindness when we deserved judgment.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Showing kindness by sharing a basket of fresh strawberries with a neighbor.
Titus 3:4–5 says, “When the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us…”
The greatest act of kindness in history was God sending His Son to rescue us. Jesus didn’t ignore the broken or the outcast. He touched lepers, welcomed children, and forgave sinners. His kindness was not shallow; it was life-changing.
Kindness in Today’s World
In families: Speak encouragement instead of criticism.
At work: Show patience to a coworker who is difficult.
At church: Greet and welcome the person sitting alone.
In your neighborhood: Check on the elderly or bring a meal to someone in need.
Kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s a smile, a word, a meal, a prayer. These small acts are seeds that God can grow into eternal fruit.
Small Group Study Outline:
Kindness — Fruit of the Spirit
Opening Question
Share a time when someone’s small act of kindness left a lasting impact on you.
Scripture Reading
Ephesians 4:31–32
Titus 3:4–7
Proverbs 11:17
Discussion Questions
Why do you think kindness feels so rare in today’s world?
How is Spirit-produced kindness different from random acts of niceness?
What are some small ways you can bring kindness into your family, church, or workplace this week?
How does remembering God’s kindness toward us change the way we treat others?
Who in your life right now most needs to experience kindness from you?
Practical Challenge for the Week
Choose one intentional act of kindness each day — a word, a prayer, an encouragement, a gift.
Journal at the end of the week how God used those small acts.
Closing Prayer
Thank God for His kindness in Christ. Pray for eyes to see opportunities for kindness and courage to act on them.
