The fruit of the Spirit · 5 of 9

Greek chrēstotēs · “gentleness” in the King James Bible

Goodness turned toward other people: tender, generous, and useful.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”Ephesians 4:32 (King James Version)

The word

Paul's word is chrēstotēs. In Galatians the King James Bible translates it gentleness, but elsewhere it renders the same word “kindness,” and most modern Bibles say kindness here. A related word, chrēstos, describes something that fits well and is good to use. Jesus uses it when he says, “my yoke is easy” (Matthew 11:30).

Kind to the unthankful

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”Luke 6:35 (King James Version)

God's kindness does not wait for us to deserve it. Ours should not either. Kindness is love that is practical: it notices, it helps, and it does not keep a record of who has earned it.

The kindness of God

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”Titus 3:4–5 (King James Version)

We are kind because God was kind first. Every kindness we show is a small echo of the mercy that saved us.

Three simple practices

1. Do one unasked kindness. Each day this week, do one helpful thing no one requested.
2. Speak well of the absent. When someone who isn't there comes up in conversation, say something kind and true about them.
3. Visit someone who is alone. Call or visit someone in a hospital, nursing home, or long-term care facility, or someone who lives alone.

A closing prayer

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer (1979), Prayers and Thanksgivings: For the Human Family.