Kindness vs. Harshness
“Loan Strength, Not Shame”
Part V: "Fruit of the Spirit and Fruit of Fear" Series
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
—Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
—Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
—Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
Kindness is not weakness—it’s courage clothed in grace.
Fear tells you to strike first, talk louder, or protect your pride.
Kindness says, “I’m secure enough in God’s love that I don’t have to tear others down to lift myself up.”
Harshness is often just fear in a tough shell.
It lashes out to avoid being vulnerable.
But “a gentle answer turns away wrath.”
Kindness doesn’t just quiet conflict—it can melt it.
“Be kind and compassionate…”
Not just when people deserve it, but when they don’t.
Because that’s how Christ treats us.
And here’s the secret sauce of Kingdom kindness:
“Let your conversation be full of grace…”
You don’t have to fake nice—you can walk in Spirit-led strength that chooses love over lashing out.
Kindness isn’t reminding others of their weakness—it’s loaning them your strength.
Prayer
Jesus, You never deal harshly with me—even when I deserved it. Teach me to reflect that same kindness in my words, my reactions, and my posture toward others. Let grace season every conversation and gentleness shape every tone. Help me loan strength, not shame.
Amen.