As followers of Jesus we are to reflect the kindness of God in our daily lives. Although we have disappointed God countless times and gone against his plan for us, He continually welcomes us back with open arms.

In colonial times a host would welcome a guest by setting out a pineapple. As long as the pineapple remained in view, the guest was welcome to stay. Some accounts indicate that if the pineapple was removed, it indicated that the welcome was over and it was time for the guest to leave.

God showed his kindness and welcomed us into His family through Jesus. We did nothing and can do nothing to deserve this kindness and mercy. God never grows tired of you; He is always with you, always available, always for you. You never wear our your welcome. By His example we are to offer the fruit of kindness through our lives in the way we care for others.

Kindness comes about in many ways. One way is by trying to understand others. Jesus was tempted in all ways like we are, so He understands our struggles. It’s easer to show kindness when you understand a person. 

Accepting others is another way to show kindness. God accepted us just as we are, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t interested in our progress. He loves us too much to allow us to mess up our lives. In the same way, we can accept others and still be honest with them. Kindness cares enough to be honest.

We are also called to forgive others. We all fail and we all sin. Out of His great love for us, God forgave us. Likewise we are to forgive others.

God affirms us. There is a great need within every individual to be accepted, to feel worth, significance. When Jesus is the most important person in your life, you never need to wonder if you matter. You matter so much that He died for your sins! We are to encourage and affirm others. Let them know how much they matter to God, and when we can express a kind word, a genuine compliment, a pat on the back, then we should do it!

Allowing the Holy Spirit to produce fruit in us is the goal. Some people are just fruit fakers. They pretend to be loving, kind, and all that in the right place at the right time to put on a good appearance. Then there are the fruit eaters. They love to consume the fruit that others produce, feasting and feasting on the output of others. Then there are the real fruit folks. They naturally respond to others by giving love, kindness, joy, and passing out fruit as they live their daily lives. Which kind of person are you?

Scriptures – John 13:35(NIV); Titus 3:4-5(ICB); Galatians 5:22-23(CEB); Hebrews 4:15-16(NRSVUE); Galatians 6:1-2(CEV); John 8:32(CEV); Ephesians 4:15(ERV); Romans 3:24(NLT); Matthew 6:14-15(NLT); Romans 15:7 (NLT); Isaiah 49:16(NLT); Ephesians 4:32(ESV); John 15:8(CEB)

Verses – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Ga 5:22-23) But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown. He saved us because of his mercy, not because of good deeds we did to be right with God. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit. (Tt 3:4-5)

Questions – Recall an act of kindness that you received? How much did that mean? How have you touched someone’s life through kindness? How do you identify a truly kind person? How is God developing your fruit?

Prayer – Dear Father in Heaven, Your mercy and kindness reached me in my sin and gave me light and life in Jesus. Help me to share the great hope I have in You by offering kindness to those around me. Work in and through me by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.