I often think of goodness and kindness in the same breath. Kindness and goodness are both fruits of the Holy Spirit that God wants to develop in all of us (Gal 5:22). They are both characteristics of God’s nature and grace (Ps 23:6; Ps 117:2; Eph 2:7) and he desires us to pursue both of them (Rom 11:22; Col 3:12; Prov 19:22). Goodness and kindness are intertwined and both of the heart.

Goodness is a sense of godliness, grace, tenderness, compassion and kindness; a generous spirit. The desire to not only be good but do good as well. Kindness is goodness in action; it has many of the elements of goodness. It is gentleness and sweetness of nature; it can be seen as a practical expression of love. Kindness is seen doing good even toward people that are difficult to get along with.

We need to grow in kindness and goodness as they demonstrate God’s love to those around us. The Holy Spirit works to develop these characteristics in us as we humble ourselves and cooperate in faith.  Let goodness and kindness be characteristics of all of our lives.

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