Marriage Fruits of the Spirit: KINDNESS

By: Jenifer Metzger

Today we continue the Fruits of the Spirit in Marriage series. To read the previous week's, click on love, joy, peace, and patience.

Today's fruit is kindness.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, 

kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

Kindness is something we don't often think about in marriage. After all, we work hard all day long whether working a 9-5 outside the home then juggling all of the housework and kids, or staying home dealing with diapers, laundry, teaching our kids and so on. By the time our husband gets home we are exhausted and purposely being kind doesn't cross our mind.

But it should.

We get tired, frustrated or stressed and our husband is the one who often gets the brunt end of things. Whether what is bothering us has anything to do with him or not, we take it out on him with unkind words and actions. The Fruits of the Spirit don't have a fine print clause saying we don't have to apply the kindness to our husband. It just says be kind.

What about when he isn't being kind?

Be kind to him anyway.

Even when his words are harsh or his actions are mean, show him kindness anyway. Remember that kindness breeds kindness. My mom used to say kill them with kindness and they will eventually be kind back.

When you are feeling unkind, ask yourself why.

1. Are you overly tired? If so, could you go to bed early tonight or take a cat nap in the day?
2. Are you hungry? When we are hungry, we tend to be unkind. Eat something healthy.
3. Are you overworked? Do you need to cut something somewhere? Don't overbook your schedule to the point of exhaustion.
4. Did you spend time with God today? Do you need to spend time with Him again?

Remember, no matter what you are feeling or what his actions are, show your husband kindness.