Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Some may say kindness and goodness are self-explanatory, but it goes a little bit deeper than what most people think.

If we’re allowing the Holy Spirit to govern our lives, kindness and goodness should be displayed on all occasions. We shouldn’t just be kind or good only if someone deserves it. Our kindness and goodness should be demonstrated regardless of if someone deserves it. These two fruits can cause any relationship (marital, working, parental, etc.) to flourish. How? Because we’re not waiting on someone else to be kind to us in order to demonstrate our kindness.

Honestly, maintaining kindness and goodness on all occasions forces us to apply the fruit of self-control. Everyone will not respond the way we desire after we’ve shown our kindness. In fact, some may get meaner depending on what’s going on in their lives. That meanness by the other person may have our flesh ready to react in an ungodly manner. But, by applying self-control and being consistent with our kindness and goodness, we’ve sown a seed into our lives and possibly into the life of that person.

Our kindness and goodness may lead a person to repentance (change in thought/behavior) and it may help them be a better person, but if it doesn’t, don’t be discouraged. We have a promise from God that says “whatever good any person does, the same goodness they shall receive from the Lord” (Ephesians 6:8).

Be good and be kind because this hurting world needs it.