Rise Up Fresh, Free, and Fruity: Kindness and Goodness

October 13, 2025

Galatians 5:22–26

Have you ever noticed how fruit naturally feeds others?
A tree doesn’t eat its own fruit—it produces for the nourishment, delight, and refreshment of those around it. That’s the beauty of the fruit of the Spirit. It’s not just about what God grows in us—it’s about what He gives through us to bless the world.

Two fruits that beautifully embody this are kindness and goodness—the fruit that feeds others.

The What of Kindness and Goodness

When Paul listed the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, he described the evidence of a life shaped by the Holy Spirit. Kindness and goodness are not optional extras—they are signs that God’s love has taken root and is bearing fruit.

Let’s start with kindness.

Kindness isn’t just being “nice.” It’s active compassion—noticing when someone is struggling and responding with warmth.
It’s gentle strength—choosing to guide, support, and help instead of judge.
It’s practical love—translating good intentions into tangible acts of care.

It’s what Jesus described in one of His most famous stories—the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37).

In that story, the Samaritan didn’t just feel sorry for the wounded man; he acted. He stopped. He crossed the road. He paid a cost. He went beyond the minimum. He expected nothing in return.

And in doing so, he crossed deep cultural and social boundaries. The Samaritan was the least likely hero—someone the Jewish audience would never have expected to be the example of godly compassion. But that’s exactly what Jesus wanted to highlight: kindness and goodness often come from unexpected places and always lead to unexpected impact.

Now, let’s look at goodness.

The Greek word agathōsynē goes deeper than moral uprightness. It’s not just being good—it’s doing good.
It’s goodness that expresses itself in generosity, integrity, and faithfulness.
It’s goodness that acts, even when it’s costly.

We see this in the life of Dorcas (Tabitha) in Acts 9:36–43. Scripture describes her as “always doing good and helping the poor.” She wasn’t known for her words, her status, or her platform—but for her consistent, faithful goodness. When she died, the widows stood around weeping, showing the clothes she had made for them. Her life left a tangible legacy of love.

Goodness doesn’t have to be spectacular—it just needs to be faithful.

The Why of Kindness and Goodness

Why should we live this way?

Because God has been kind and good to us.
Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

We show kindness because we’ve received kindness.
We show goodness because God’s goodness has transformed us.

And there’s a deeper layer here—kindness and goodness are not just personal virtues; they are missional tools. They’re a language the world understands.

Arguments may win debates, but acts of kindness win hearts.
The Church’s mission is not just to proclaim good news—it’s to embody it.
When we love our neighbour, serve our community, and go the extra mile, we reflect the heart of Jesus.

Kindness and goodness in action move hearts in ways words never will. They show people that the gospel isn’t just an idea—it’s a living, breathing reality.

As one quote says, “What we do in life echoes in eternity.”

The How of Kindness and Goodness

So how do we live this out? How do we make kindness and goodness part of our everyday rhythm?

Start where you are.
Ask, “Who in my world needs kindness right now?”
It might be a neighbour who’s lonely, a colleague under pressure, or someone you usually walk past without noticing.

Showing kindness doesn’t have to be a massive effort—it just needs to be intentional. A text message, a meal, a smile, a listening ear—small seeds that grow into spiritual fruit.

Then, look for opportunities to serve.
Kindness grows when you get involved.

Join a team at church—whether it’s welcome, media, clean-up, hospitality, or maintenance. Every role is an act of service that reflects the goodness of God.

Get involved with The Storehouse, helping families with food and essentials.

Or support WOW (World of Worth) by packing a Christmas bag for a child.

These aren’t just “programs”—they’re platforms for kindness. They’re places where God’s people get to turn love into action.

Kindness and Goodness in Action

At Home Church, we’ve seen the impact of kindness and goodness firsthand.

562 food parcels have been given out.
168 baby bank parcels have gone to families in need.
492 home store parcels have helped people furnish their homes with dignity.
In total, 2,842 people have attended the Warm Space—for food, company, and support.

That’s kindness in motion.
That’s goodness with hands and feet.
That’s the gospel in action.

Each number represents a story—someone who felt seen, valued, and loved because God’s people rose up fresh, free, and fruity.