June 18

Read: Romans 12:9-10

The fruit of the Spirit is… kindness (Galatians 5:22).

Gentleness

The word that we read as gentleness in the Authorized Version is more often translated kindness. The nature of this fruit reminds us that the Spirit’s presence is not to be seen only in the unusual — tongues of fire and the rushing mighty wind. Kindness is the spirit of love manifested in small things. To be kind is to be loving in the little contacts of life.

This fruit is a variety that does not blossom and grow without some cultivation. W. E. Sangster comments: “Indeed, some eminent saints have not been as eminent in this fruit of the Spirit as in others, and have worn their halo a little askew.”

Dr. S. A. Keen once wrote to his wife: “I have no doubt as to being saved, and filled with the Spirit… Yet there are some… touches of Christlikeness that I want. I seem to have more of the dynamics of the Spirit’s presence than of His assimilating powers. I have blessedly the power of Christ, but not so fully developed the mind of Christ.” Here is a confession and a prayer in which perhaps all of us should join from time to time.

Dr. Hardy C. Powers reminds us that most of the things that we do to advance the cause of Christ are the little, unnoticed things. Therefore I ask, Does the fruit of the Spirit appear in the routine contacts of my life? I seldom have opportunity to express my love in great acts of self-renunciation. But today there will be opportunities to be kind.

Prayer For Today

Dear Lord, I do not know all who shall cross my path in these twelve hours, but at evening may someone have cause to remember, A sanctified Christian was kind to me today. Amen.