In seminary, I remember an Australian teacher who was one of the kindest people I had ever met. I have long forgotten the course work that he taught, but I still remember how he demonstrated his kindness. The Apostle Paul writes in the book of Galatians 5:22-23, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.”[1]
Growing in fruits of the Spirit is not instantaneous, but a journey. If you are like me, you are a work in progress. I am not where I would like to be, but I continue to press forward as I grow in fruits of the Spirit.
In our story, found in Ruth chapter one, we see the kindness of Ruth as she journeys with her mother-in-law Naomi. It was her actions, not just words, that showed her to be a kind person. Ruth had gotten to know God through her husband’s family . Ruth said to Naomi, “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”[2] Ruth 1:16. The kindness that Ruth displayed did not start in her, but in God Himself. God is our creator and good shepherd who molds and shapes us to reflect who He is. The kindness of Ruth was a reflection of the kindness of God.
The Apostle John writes in 1 John 4:19, “We love each other because God loved us first. [3]
Would you like to take a step in being kinder? I know I would. Take the hand of Jesus and let Him lead you. Be open to listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit who guides and corrects you. When you sincerely ask the Lord for a teachable heart, be prepared to grow in fruits of the Spirit.
To hear more about Naomi in crisis listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-the-divine-intruder/the-divine-intruder-during-crisis
[1, 2, 3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ga 5:22–23, Ruth 1:16, 1 John 4:19). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.