Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

Sermon Ephesians 4:29-32 June 12, 2016 Ordinary Time Series #5

Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

I begin this week’s sermon with a series of quotes.

Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much. Blaise Pascal

With the help of grace, the habit of saying kind words is very quickly formed, and when once formed, it is not speedily lost. Frederick W. Faber

Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime. Dale Carnegie

Imagine a world where people look out for each other. Where we all pay it forward. Where success is measured in selfless acts. Where kindness is the philosophy of life.

All these quotes give us a glimpse into the practical definition of kindness. Perhaps that’s what we yearn for as much as we yearn for love-a kinder, gentler world.

We have been studying the verse given to us in the letter to the Galatians 5:22 regarding the Fruit of the Spirit. It says, “The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

One thing we have learned through our studies thus far is that the fruit is a gift. We have learned that each element of the fruit is already within us. Gifts are given to us and they come to us to be used, developed, and shared. They are given to us by God in the same manner that life and God’s love has been given to us.

God’s love for us already exists and is there for us to receive it. Whether we choose to accept the love of God or not does not change God’s claim upon us. God values who we are and cares deeply for us. In the same manner of love God has given us the capacity to love and care for ourselves and others through the gift of the Fruit of the Spirit-one giant bunch of fruit filled with rich, juicy, oozing with goodness fruit. It’s ours to taste and try and offer to the community around us.

Kindness as do the other elements of the fruit begins with caring. The Greek word for kind is chrestos. It has in its meaning, useful, it is a word of action. Rather than a state of being, kindness is a state of action.

Our lesson in Ephesians today begins with what kindness is not. Sometimes to get an understanding of what something is, is to learn what it is not. There is no room in kindness for maliciousness or selfishness, nor is there space for wrath, anger, or bitterness. As kindness is developed these other behaviors dissipate and fade away leaving room for only goodness to shine through.

As I was sitting with a family preparing for the funeral of their mother I asked one of the sons, “What is the one thing you would like to make sure everyone hears and knows about your mom?” His response to me was, “That she was kind.” What an amazing legacy to leave behind! To share with the world that the most important aspect of life to remember was kindness, yes!

What are the beginning actions of kindness?

Perhaps one place to start is with our words. Encouraging words of comfort, compliments, and courtesy. Can you think of what those might be? Our words can have a healing effect on others. Our words can draw people together as we share in conversation and seek to know someone else. Even the simple act of acknowledging the person next to you as you wait for a bus, or sit next to them on an airplane, is an act of kindness. Even in our own households recognizing the person who you share space with is an act of kindness.

A friend of mine told me how hard it was in her job in retail. She said it was difficult to always practice thoughtfulness and kindness in her business. One day her boss gave her some advice. He said, “Fake it ‘til you make it.” She thought at first that this wasn’t quite authentic or honest. But, as she began to practice a smile and kind words no matter what, she recognized a transformation within her. The more she practiced the more genuine her words and actions became. Perhaps there was some truth in practicing kindness even when it didn’t feel right-she was glad for the advice and has shown that it is now her way of life.

What are some examples of kindness that you have experienced? Was it the day you showed up in the line at the grocery store with two items in your hand and the person in front of you had a cartful, yet, they offered you to go ahead of them? Perhaps it was a day at the office and you were weighted down with the burdens going on in your life and a colleague came by and said hello, and just their acknowledgment of you mattered and made a difference in your day. Their hello drew you out of your dilemma and helped you to enter into conversation.

As we look to people around us with all their concerns and suffering, their illnesses and confusion in life, we can be moved with compassion. We can be helping, sharing, caring, encouraging and extending ourselves to them-this is kindness.

But, what about those people who have a way of pushing our buttons, you ask? How do we show kindness to those who continue to greet us with meanness?
I believe that is where the hard work within us takes place.
The meanness of others cannot deter us from being the kind people God calls us to be.
To meet the pain of another with the grace of goodness is probably the greatest gift we can offer.
 And if the goodness refuses to be received it is important for us not to change who we are based on another’s desire to live differently.
Perhaps that is when the strength of kindness will be most important.

But, if you had asked my children when they were teenagers what kind of mom I was, they would have let you know I was the meanest mom on earth. I remember saying that I could have had a bumper sticker made that said, “mean mom.” Sometimes as a parent kindness shows itself through discipline. “No you can’t stay out as late as all your friends, you have to be home by your curfew.” I’m hoping now that they are parents those rules of life will be looked on as rules of kindness. But, you’ll have to ask them.

As we develop our skill of and our gift of kindness,

it will get stronger and we will use it more frequently.

Our ability to practice makes us better and makes the world better. The more we learn, the more we grow, the more our community flourishes.

Kindness is more than friendliness, it is true engagement with others.

Through the strength and power of God to transform us we can and will be a kinder, gentler generation.

We can ask God to fill us, we can seek God out and ask for this gift to shine strong in us. We can say to God here I am use me.

May the kindness of God’s Spirit fill us today as we seek to serve God and others. Amen.

Tim McGraw’s song lyrics:

You know there's a light that glows by the front door
Don't forget the key's under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church 'cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin'
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
"I love you" ain't no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

When it's hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin
Don't forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind