( Matt. 5:13-16 ; 1 Thess. 2:7-9 ) Kindness is a disposition, an attitude; whereas, goodness is defined as kindly activity, an outward expression of kindness. Kindness, like salt, brings savor or seasoning to the earth. Light is a type of the fruit of goodness. When a believer's salt or kindness is savory towards another, then his light will automatically shine through the manifestation of his good works.

( Phil. 2:14-15 ; Titus 3:3-5 ) If believers murmur, dispute and complain, their lights will not shine. As we develop the fruit of kindness, we prepare the soil for bearing fruit, preparing hearts of unbelievers for receiving the implantation of the seed of reconciliation. Kindness is a forerunner of regeneration. The fruit of kindness in the life of a believer is the fullness of Jesus being manifested to the world.

( 1 Pet. 3:1-4 ; James 2:9 ; 1 Tim. 5:8 ; Titus 2:4-5 ) Kindness is no respecter of persons, regardless how unsavory the situation or person. Not only are we to be kind to strangers but it begins within our families. The fruit of kindness enables husbands to be kind to their wives regardless how they respond, likewise, wives to husbands.

( Eph. 4:29 ; Col. 4:6 ; Prov. 15:1 ; Prov. 18:21 ; Prov. 26:20 ) All divisions, all strife, all bitterness, all contention can be avoided if we keep our tongues seasoned with the fruit of kindness.

( Prov. 20:27 ; Rev. 2:4-5 ; Prov. 18:19 ; Matt. 24:9-10 ; John 16:1 ; Ps. 119:165 ; Mark 4:16-17 ) It is the duty of every believer to avoid being offended-taking offense as well as giving it. The first way to overcome taking offense is through the word of God. It is a spiritual principle that believers who study the word diligently are less likely to get their feelings hurt. Being rooted in the word saves the soul, relying on Christ within. It is He Who with you will work through afflictions and persecutions, raising you above the fleshly reactions, enabling you to respond in His Spirit to any and all offenses of life.

( 1 Cor. 13:4-7 ; James 1:21 ; Jude 20,21 ; Matt. 5:44 ) Praying in the spirit keeps the believer in the love of God, a love that bears and endures all things. Love will be perfected in the lives of believers who minister to those who have the greatest power to offend them. Replacing hurt feelings with the love of God frustrates the plan of the enemy and implements the plan of God.

( Rom. 12:19-21 ; John 13:34-35 ; 2 Tim. 1:7 ; Prov. 28:1 ; Acts 4:13 ; James 4:2 ; Acts 4:29-30 ) Believers can't have a sound mind when fearful, neither will he be merciful as God intends for him to be. God intends us to be blessed with both righteousness and boldness. Spending time in the presence of the Lord will make us bold as lions, able then to express kindness. Boldness comes by simply asking God and praying for it ( Eph. 6:18-20 ). Thus, if we would be like Jesus today, we must begin by being kind.