Spreading Kindness

Galations 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.

Showing Kindness

Webster's Dictionary bears the meaning of kindness as the QUALITY of being kind or an instance of this to do SOMEONE a kindness, to render(someone) a small service. And the word KIND :sympathetic,helpful,friendly; thoughtful and gentle; well-disposed;pleasant or beneficial in action.

What Does Kindness Really Mean?

Barclay's Daily Study Bible Commentary says Kindness and goodness are closely connected words. For kindness the word is chrestotes (GSN5544). It, too, is commonly translated goodness. The Rheims version of 2Cor.6:6 translates it sweetness. It is a lovely word. Plutarch says that it has a far wider place than justice. Old wine is called chrestos (GSN5543), mellow. Christ's yoke is called chrestos (GSN5543) (Matt.11:30), that is, it does not chafe. The whole idea of the word is a goodness which is kind. The word Paul uses for goodness (agathosune, GSN0019) is a peculiarly Bible word and does not occur in secular Greek (Rom.15:14; Eph.5:9; 2Th.1:11). It is the widest word for goodness; it is defined as "virtue equipped at every point." What is the difference? Agathosune (GSN0019) might, and could, rebuke and discipline; chrestotes (GSN5544) can only help. Trench says that Jesus showed agathosune (GSN0019) when he cleansed the Temple and drove out those who were making it a bazaar; but he showed chrestotes (GSN5544) when he was kind to the sinning woman who anointed his feet. The Christian needs that goodness which at one and the same time can be kind and strong. (references in Parenthesis/Strong's Greek)