Kindness // Fruitology
Day 1: The Kindness of God
Reading: Romans 2:1-4, Ephesians 2:1-10
Devotional: God's kindness is not just a pleasant attribute—it's a transformative force in our lives. As we read in Romans, it's God's kindness that leads us to repentance. Reflect on how God's kindness has touched your life, even when you felt undeserving. Consider the depths of His grace described in Ephesians—how we were dead in our sins, but God made us alive with Christ. How does this understanding of God's kindness change your perspective on your own struggles and shortcomings? Today, ask God to help you see His kindness in your life and to let that kindness flow through you to others.
Day 2: Active Faith and Kindness
Reading: James 2:14-26, Matthew 25:31-46
Devotional: True faith is active and expressed through kindness and good deeds. James reminds us that faith without works is dead, while Jesus teaches that when we serve "the least of these," we're serving Him. Reflect on how your faith is manifesting in tangible acts of kindness. Are there opportunities around you to show God's love through practical help or encouragement? Consider one specific act of kindness you can do today, whether it's helping a neighbor, encouraging a coworker, or serving in your community. Remember, even small acts can have a significant impact when done with love.
Day 3: The Fruit of the Spirit
Reading: Galatians 5:16-26, Colossians 3:12-17
Devotional: Kindness is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians, alongside love, joy, peace, and others. This reminds us that true kindness is not just a human effort, but a result of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. As you read Colossians, notice how we're called to "clothe" ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. How might your life look different if you intentionally "put on" these attributes each morning? Ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate these fruits in your life, particularly focusing on kindness today.
Day 4: Kindness in Community
Reading: Acts 2:42-47, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
Devotional: The early church was marked by radical generosity and kindness within their community. They shared possessions, met needs, and enjoyed favor with all people. This kindness wasn't limited to their own group but overflowed to those around them. Consider your own church community. How can you contribute to a culture of kindness and generosity? Look for ways to encourage others, be patient with those who are struggling, and actively seek to meet needs. Remember, our unity and love for one another is a powerful witness to the world of God's love.
Day 5: Reflecting God's Kindness
Reading: Luke 6:27-36, Ephesians 4:29-5:2
Devotional: Jesus calls us to a radical kindness—loving our enemies, doing good to those who hate us, blessing those who curse us. This kind of love reflects God's own character, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. As you read the passage in Ephesians, consider how your words and actions can be a channel of God's grace to others. Are there people in your life who are difficult to love? Ask God for the strength to show them kindness, not because they deserve it, but because that's how God has treated us. As you go through your day, consciously look for opportunities to speak words that build up and actions that imitate God's love.