Kindness (Part 1)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is... KINDNESS..." Galatians 5:22 

Definitions:

Kindness:

1. the practice or quality of being kind

2. a kind, considerate, or helpful act

Kind:

1. Of a friendly, generous, or warm-hearted nature.

2. Showing sympathy or understanding; charitable: (a kind word.)

3. Humane; considerate: (kind to animals.)

4. Forbearing; tolerant: (Our neighbor was very kind about the window we broke.)

5. Generous; liberal: (kind words of praise.)

How many of you watched some of the TV specials about 9-11? I personally watched a two hour special of "Dateline" about this historic date in America's history. 

Ten years ago, I wasn't really effected by the events of September 11th and the plane crashes that devastated our nation.  But after reading about it, and now seeing more of the events that took place that day, I have a new respect for the people involved.  

Kindness was shown throughout that day many times over.  People working their way down the stairway trying to make their way out, stopped, and took the time to help someone else un-bury themselves from the rubble on their floor.  A certain group of rescue workers refused to leave an elderly woman behind (which in turn saved their entire unit).  And the few passengers of the last plane hijacked decided to take the opportunity they had to save other people's lives by losing their own in the attempt of foiling the foreign hijackers mission. Kindness. And that wasn't the only fruit of the Spirit that was shown that extremely tragic day.  Countless stories of what people went through can have an amazing effect on your outlook of these few simple words: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

How many fruits of the Spirit did you witness on 9-11?  How can we better implement these better in the future?  Are there things you need to reexamine in your life to change for the better?  Can you change them by applying Kindness and the other fruits of the Spirit?  

What are your favorite Bible verses relating to Kindness?  What/who is the best example of Kindness in your life?  

Let's try to apply Kindness where ever we go and see how much it impacts our attitude and how people respond to us!

Blessings!

~ S*