CALVARY CHAPEL MERIDIAN

Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

God Wants Us to be Kind to Others

Why do we wish each other good morning? Why do we say hello, and ask how other  
people are feeling? Why do we hold doors for people, wave people through in traffic, and wish people a nice day? The answer is kindness. From an early age, we’ve been taught to be kind to others. We were taught to say please and thank you. We were taught to share and be generous. Kindness is when we treat other people the way we want to be treated: with respect.

Kindness is also one of the Fruits of the Spirit. God wants us to be kind to one another. Just as with all the Fruits we have discussed, kindness grows and comes more naturally the more we get to know Jesus.

Read 2 Samuel 9

David assured Mephibosheth of his good intentions, “Do not fear.” David then revealed his plan to show kindness to him for Jonathan’s sake—He would keep his promise to Jonathan. David told him that he would restore all of his father’s possessions, and he would allow him to eat at his own royal table for the rest of his life.

We have access, as Mephibosheth, to our King continually.  Just as David gave grace to Mephibosheth, God gave us salvation by grace.  Grace is undeserved kindness to a helpless one. What an awesome God we have!

By showing kindness to others, we can be a witness for Jesus. We can show them, and anyone watching, that Jesus loves everyone. We can spread the love of Jesus through kindness.

Family Discussion:
  • David showed grace and kindness to Mephibosheth. How does God show grace to us? (God has given us salvation through his Son Jesus) 
  • Sometimes it isn't easy to be kind. Who can help us to be kind, helping people even when it isn't easy? (Jesus - when we are rooted in Jesus -knowing Him and trusting Him- the fruit of kindness will grow in our hearts) 
  • Share about a time someone was kind to you. 
  • Share some ways you can show kindness to others. 

Memory Verse
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 
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