Sermon Cloud

Fruit of the Spirit 6 - Kindness and Goodness

In this sermon, we look at the 5th and 6th fruits listed in Galatians 5:22 & 23. At first glance, these words seem to say the same thing, but on further study, we see that they are different aspects of love. Simply put, kindness is kind of like the love of a grandmother, just kind and not wanting to hurt anyone, willing to overlook things. Goodness, on the other hand, is like the love of a parent, especially of a loving father, that will confront and discipline their children when they need it. Goodness does the right thing regardless of the consequences. It's interesting to note that both of these are listed as fruit that we are supposed to have operating in our lives. We have to know when and in what circumstance each is needed. We can trust the Holy Ghost to help us.

Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, KJV

Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, a quiet mind, kind acts, well-doing, faith, Bible in Basic English

Ga 5:22 The Spirit, on the other hand, brings a harvest of love, joy, peace; patience towards others, kindness, benevolence; Weymouth

Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Amplified

Kindness = chrēstotēs (khrā-sto'-tās)
Goodness = agathōsynÄ“ (ä-gä-thō-sü'-nā)

Vines "Trench, following Jerome, distinguishes between chrestotes and agathosune in that the former describes the kindlier aspects of "goodness," the latter includes also the sterner qualities by which doing "good" to others is not necessarily by gentle means. He illustrates the latter by the act of Christ in cleansing the temple, Mat 21:12,13, and in denouncing the scribes and Pharisees, 23:13-29; but chrestotes by His dealings with the penitent woman, Luk 7:37-50. Lightfoot regards chrestotes as a kindly disposition towards others; agathosune as a kindly activity on their behalf."

Jesus showed kindness to sinners
Luke 7:37-50

Jesus showed goodness in dealing with religious people that hindered people coming to God.
Matthew 21:12-13