While investigating the word "kindness", I noticed that this and the word "goodness" are often translated differently. In fact, in the KJV, instead of being translated "kindness", today's word is translated "gentleness," which is another fruit of the Spirit in verse 21! So, rather than do a study on words whose definitions are a bit foggy, I thought for our studies on kindness and gentleness, we'd dig just a little deeper and include Strong's definition for both words as well as cross-reference their other uses in the Word. Still with me so far? ;-) I sure hope so! Buckle your seat-belts, we're in for a ride!
χρηστότης; chrēstotēs: G5544; usefulness, that is, moral excellence (in character or demeanor): - gentleness, good (-ness), kindness.
This very same word is used only a few times in the Bible. One of these times is found in Ephesians chapter 2, with a perfect example for us to really grab a hold of "chrēstotēs":
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7)
Boy, could we ask for a more perfect demonstration of kindness, or "chrēstotēs"? I think not! We have the definition: usefulness, moral excellence, kindness. Now, we have an example as well: that God expresses his grace to us through chrēstotēs, as shown in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect picture of this: morally excellent, useful, good, gentle, and kind.
I get the impression that this word encompasses a sort of demeanor of benevolence and uprightness. But not the kind that is haughty and "high-and-mighty," but rather gentle, welcoming, and caring. Looking at the life of Jesus, this word describes Him to a "T" - being God Almighty, if anyone could be haughty in their ethical uprightness it would be Jesus (and He does seem to take this tone at times, for example, when rebuking the hypocritical Pharisees), but to those of us who approach Him in humility, admitting our sinfulness, He invites us to:
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30 ESV)
And wouldn't you know it, the word in this verse translated "easy" is chrēstos, the root of the word we're looking at today, chrēstotēs. Now, to wrap this up, let us once more take Jesus' example in how we are to live our lives - in kindness, gentleness, moral uprightness, and welcoming benevolence. Let us pray for this chrēstotēs, this kindness, to characterize our lives. It is indeed one of the fruits of the Spirit, flowing out from the Spirit of God, into our hearts, and being expressed through the way we live our lives.
Blessings,
Andrew
