Fruit at Camp #5: Kindness

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…
-Galatians 5:22-23

It’s all Greek to me…

I personally skim over this one way too often. Kindness, yep, I help people and give kids high-fives, surely that counts.

The Greek word for kindness, Chrestotes, has several underlying meanings. For one, there’s an assumption that when we show kindness, we do it by meeting real needs. Kindness is more than saying a nice word to someone. True kindness is praying for them, inviting them over for an evening, or bringing them a meal. Paul is telling the Galatians that kindness isn’t kindness if it costs you nothing.

Chrestotes also refers to moral goodness or integrity. When we show kindness to others, we should “do it gladly” (Romans 12:8). I’ve often wondered at the difference between a Christian saying they’re acting in kindness and a non-Christian saying the same thing. Both can help the homeless or care for the sick, but only the Christian does it out of the “moral goodness” of seeking God’s Kingdom.

Here’s how I’ve seen kindness play out in recent weeks…

Chrestotes at Camp.

Ironically, one of my pastors at church just preached a series on loneliness. In his eyes, one of the best things we can do to counteract loneliness is Show Up. It’s that simple. Show up and show kindness.

I’ll be very blunt: I find this difficult. It’s not that I don’t like showing kindness; it’s that my selfish human nature hates it. Maybe some of you feel the same, but there’s this awkward feeling that crops up right when you want to ask someone an intentional question or do something kind.

At camp, I’m fighting this aspect of my sin nature. I can’t let my pride, my fear, or my weakness stop me from fulfilling the calling God has given me.

By God’s grace, He let me work with Middle Schoolers. As a former MS student myself, let me confidently say that they don’t notice when others are nervous. Middle Schoolers aren’t the greatest at reading expressions or emotions. For me as a leader, this is awesome.

The Challenge.

While cabin leading last week, I was challenged to ask my campers 1-on-1 how I could pray for them. To put yourself in my shoes: imagine walking up to someone you hardly know and asking, “Hey, is there anything I can pray for you this week?”

Nerves and soon-to-be cringe aside, I readied myself to ask the guys. For the sake of showing them God’s kindness, I did it. I found five different times to connect 1-on-1, and I asked how I could pray for them.

Was it awkward? Yes. But it was also a character-building experience. It gave me the chance to show the guys I cared for them. It was just one of the ways I demonstrated kindness that week. God gave me time to lead cabin devos, talk with the campers during mealtimes, hang out at skills, and show kindness in my day-to-day interactions.

If you’ve ever considered cabin leading at a camp, it’s worth it. I know we’re there to strengthen the campers’ spiritual lives, but I witnessed spiritual growth of my own as I led. And it all stems from making an effort to show others God’s kindness.

Chrestotes in real life.

As my pastor said, it starts with Showing Up. I find it challenging to do anything without first being present. Maybe you feel the same. I’ll confess, I’ve bought the lie that kindness is simple (which it totally can be). However, kindness is more than a wave and a “Have a nice day.” Biblical kindness is going a step or two further.

Colossians 3:12 (NLT) says, “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Jesus was so peeved with the Pharisees because their “kindness” was insincere. It wasn’t that they weren’t showing kindness. They were, but for selfish reasons, or else out of obligation. Kindness should be done gladly.

I’m challenging myself as much as you, but true kindness takes effort. As a kid, I’d frequently write birthday cards for family members or my parents. Two of the easiest adjectives to include in the card were: Nice and Kind. Thing is, as a follower of Christ, I don’t strive to be kind. I strive to live a life of kindness. Action vs. Lifestyle.

I can make this happen at camp, but also in my everyday life. If you’re willing, I think you can too. Here are a few ways I thought of…

• Offer to pray for someone. (Yes, we all need energy at camp.)
• Strike up a conversation about something they’re interested in. (No more brainrot, please.)
• Help them accomplish a chore or task. (We’ll try not to spill the mop bucket next time.)
• Hang out one evening. (Swimming is super fun.)
• Meet a practical need. (Can I help you with such and such?)

Just like my story of cabin leading, intentionally pursuing kindness can be awkward. Before you brush me off, God does command us to show kindness and love (John 13:35). More than that, showing kindness feels good once we’ve mustered the courage to do it.

Kindness can counteract loneliness, cultivate deeper friendships, and create treasure in Heaven. Triple victory. Here is today’s reflection question: Are you kind of ready to show God’s kindness to others this summer, or are you ready?

This summer, I want to remember how kind God has been to me. So kind He sent His son to die and pay for all my sins. That’s pretty kind. In turn, I aspire to show God-focused kindness to all those around me.

As Paul said in Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)…

“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”