The Fruit of Chre'stote's (aka Kindness)

When we think of kindness, we generally think about it in general terms of being nice to those around us.  However, once we examine the Greek, the  definition of chrestotes is broadened considerably.  So let’s take a look.  In addition to being nice, another word associated with kindness is benignity.  This word expands the meaning to include tolerance towards others, so the thinking is for the children of God, we exhibit kindness EVEN when it requires tolerance of another person.  Sure kindness to nice people is very easy, it is kindness to those whom we must tolerate that makes it challenging.  I always try to find the place where the road divides between what God expects from us as his children, and the ways of the world; this certainly can be regarded as one of those considerations.  Here’s another from the Greek that challenges us- moral goodness.  When you think of kindness, does moral goodness come to mind?  So to be kind for us is not enough.  Without the element of moral, our goodness is no different than what is expected from the world.  Lastly, to add to moral goodness another similar thought can be seen in the final definition of Chrestotes, the word “integrity,” which is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.  It is easy to see where God is leading us with this, and what he expects of our level of kindness.  Once again as in all we exhibit, this is another demonstration within our character that resembles our heavenly father.  Therefore simply put, to see the fruit alive in us, is to see God.  Blessings.

~Lamar