How to Be Kind: Fruit of the Spirit
Lesson 6 -- Fruit of the Spirit
(Bite-Sized Bible Course)

Why is it sometimes so hard to be kind? I mean, some people just seem to have it coming to them, right? Do I have to know how to be kind to everyone all the time?

That's what we'll take a look at in Lesson 6 of our Fruit of the Spirit study. We just want to remind you to make sure to take the lessons that come before this one first. It's important to do these lessons in order.

Also, make sure to take the quiz at the end of the lesson. It will help you remember the content better.

Let's not linger. Let's get into the lesson.

What's the Secret to How to Be Kind?

Kindness is not something we squeeze out of ourselves by trying harder. It's something the Holy Spirit grows in us as He makes us more like Jesus (Galatians 5:22–23; Romans 8:29).

When we ask how to be kind to others, the Bible starts by pointing us to God’s own heart. He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. He calls us His children when we love our enemies and do good to them (Luke 6:35).

His kindness is not just a mood. It's active. It's a generous posture that moves toward people for their good (Acts 14:17; Titus 3:4–5).

At the center of the Christian story is the shocking kindness of God in the gospel. It was the Lord’s lovingkindness that drew His people to Himself. It held them fast, even when they wandered (Jeremiah 31:3; Nehemiah 9:17).

It is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. It isn't our repentance or anything else that earns His kindness (Romans 2:4). When we grasp what it is, kindness takes on a whole new meaning. It isn't about self‑improvement. It becomes a response of gratitude.

What Biblical Kindness Looks Like

Biblical kindness is deeper than just “being nice.” It isn't soft either. It has a backbone.

It's love in action, even when it costs us something (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). When we practice kindness, we don't just avoid being harsh. We choose to move toward others to build them up, rather than ourselves (Romans 15:2).

We see this in the way Scripture pairs kindness with other heart qualities. :

• We’re told to be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).
• We are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).
• Kindness shows up in practical ways: sharing, doing good, showing hospitality even to strangers, and remembering those in need (Hebrews 13:2; Hebrews 13:16).

Kindness as fruit of the Spirit

When Paul lists “kindness” in the fruit of the Spirit, he isn't handing us nine separate shopping‑list items to chase. He lists all attributes equally (Galatians 5:22–23). This is one beautiful cluster, one life, one character—Christ’s own—being formed in us.

That means kindness isn't about personality. It's about something outside of our human ability. Everyone who belongs to Christ has the Spirit. Thank God we do because the Spirit is committed to growing this fruit in everyone who believes (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13–14).

But let's get one thing straight. He doesn't grow kindness in us because we are naturally sweet. Not at all. He does this because Jesus bought us with His blood and is determined to make us like Himself (Titus 3:4–7; Philippians 1:6).

This also means we can't rightly talk about kindness apart from the cross. There, God showed unusual kindness to His enemies. He reconciled us to Himself while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8–10).

The more we soak in that grace, the less room there is for worldly tendencies. Bitterness, coldness, or indifference to the people around us will get the better of us if we don't depend on the Spirit for daily strength (Ephesians 4:31–32).

How to Be Kind in Real Life

So does this mean we have nothing to do in spiritual growth? Will the fruit just pop out all over us? If the Spirit produces the fruit, where do our choices come in?

The Bible happily holds both together. On the one hand, it tells us that “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). On the other hand, it commands, “put on… kindness” and “be kind to one another” (Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 4:32).

So, how can we practice kindness in the flow of a normal day? Here are some simple, Spirit‑dependent steps:

• Start your day asking: “Spirit of God, produce Your fruit of kindness in me today,” and then trust He heard you (Luke 11:13; Galatians 5:22–25).
• Look for one concrete way to build someone up (Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 12:18).
• Practice slow reactions: listen before answering, especially when feeling provoked (James 1:19–20; Proverbs 15:1).
• Move toward inconvenient needs: sharing, helping, or simply showing up (Hebrews 13:16; Acts 20:35).
• Lean into forgiveness rather than nursing grudges, remembering how much Christ forgives (Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 18:21–35).

None of these is heroic on its own. But as you walk by the Spirit—moment by moment, choice by choice—He turns small acts into genuine fruit that looks like Jesus (Galatians 5:16; John 15:5).

There is a helpful rhythm in the Christian life. What the Spirit grows, you practice. What you practice, the Spirit grows. It's like the music of life. When played properly, that rhythm sounds really good.

Learning how to be kind to everyone is part of that rhythm.

Paul can say both “walk by the Spirit” and “keep in step with the Spirit." That why he spells it out with very ordinary obedience: doing good, bearing burdens, not growing weary in well‑doing (Galatians 5:16, 25; Galatians 6:2, 9–10).

The Final Word on How to Be Kind

So what does this mean for you? The answer is simple.

Are you producing kindness? That's what the Spirit does in all believers. Is it happening in you?

If not, then you need the Spirit of God. The only way to get Him is through the Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). He will give you the Spirit, and kindness, if you believe. In that moment, you'll understand the sweetness of the Fruit of the Spirit.

You won't have to wonder how to be kind. You'll know because the Spirit will teach you.

Are you a Christian who's struggling with producing kindness? That can happen as well. There are a number of reasons for this:

• Unconfessed sin stunts spiritual fruit.
• Lack of focus and devotion in the Christian life prevents fruit from forming.
• Forgetting to consult God through His Word and prayer can rot fruit on the vine.
• Just not caring enough for the One who cares for you will also stunt fruit growth.

Be careful. God wants us to produce fruit. So let's get to it. In the moment we do, we will truly taste the sweetest life imaginable.

God bless.

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