Kindness is the fifth fruit of the Spirit. A kind person is friendly, generous, and compassionate. The root word “kin” in kindness reminds us to treat others as family. As God’s people, we’re called to show kindness, especially by helping those less fortunate. Kindness can be as simple as offering a kind word or as significant as giving one’s resources, time, and energy to improve the situation of another.
True kindness eases others’ burdens and points them to Christ. As we grow closer to the Lord and allow the fruit of the Spirit to develop within us, the Holy Spirit empowers us to demonstrate kindness.
Kindness Cannot Co-Exist with Unforgiveness
Having the right attitude is essential when practicing kindness—particularly when it comes to sharing our financial resources. If we harbor animosity or unforgiveness in our hearts toward someone, it will be difficult to open our hearts (and our pocketbooks) to help them when the Holy Spirit nudges us to do so.
The Bible teaches us that in order to please God and cultivate kindness, we must rid our hearts of bitterness and unforgiveness. Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Paul also emphasizes this in Colossians 3:12-13:
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
God Expects Us to Be Kind
In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to show kindness. He even withheld His favor when they failed to do so. In Isaiah, God expresses His displeasure when kindness is withheld, especially toward the poor and oppressed. Isaiah 58:6-7 states:
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
Job also reminds us of the importance of kindness in relationships:
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty” (Job 6:14).
Jesus taught that when we serve the least among us, we are serving Him (Matthew 25:31-46). The acts of kindness Jesus described involved sharing our possessions—food, water, clothing—with those in need. As God provides for us, He expects us to share those resources with others.
God Rewards Those Who Show Kindness
God blesses those who are kind and share their resources. Solomon wisely wrote, “A kind man benefits himself” (Proverbs 11:17), and “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17).
When we are kind, we are building treasure in Heaven. This is especially true when we do so without making a spectacle of it. Jesus warned against doing good deeds for the sake of recognition, teaching His disciples:
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:1-3).
When we show kindness to others, we honor God and demonstrate His love to those who are hurting. We should not show kindness to gain God’s favor or heavenly rewards, but when done in obedience to God’s commands and with the right attitude, God will reward our kindness.
A Reflective Question for Your Heart
As you reflect on your relationship with money and kindness, consider the following questions:
- How has kindness played a role in your financial decisions?
- Can you think of a time when showing kindness to someone changed their situation—or yours?
Take a moment to reflect and invite God to help you be more intentional with your kindness, especially in how you manage and share your resources. Remember, the kindest act you can do is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that others can look forward to eternity in Heaven.
Susan's Reflections 
You must be logged in to post a comment.