Day 3: The Outward Fruit - Patience, Kindness, Goodness

The fruit of the Spirit isn’t just about our personal growth. It changes how we treat others. Patience, kindness, and goodness help us reflect Christ in our relationships, even when it’s difficult.

Colossians 3:12 tells us to “clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” That’s a daily choice. Patience isn’t just about waiting well, it’s about endurance. It’s trusting God’s timing and extending grace to people, even when they frustrate us.

Kindness, as seen in Ephesians 4:2, is about being tenderhearted. It’s easy to be kind to people who treat us well, but real kindness shows up when we extend it to those who don’t deserve it. Think about Jesus. He was kind to sinners, outcasts, and even those who betrayed Him. Goodness goes a step further than kindness. Romans 2:4 reminds us that God’s kindness leads us to repentance. Goodness isn’t just about being nice. It’s actively choosing what is right and leading others toward truth.

In college, patience, kindness, and goodness are tested daily. Whether it’s dealing with difficult roommates, stressful classes, or people who don’t respect our beliefs. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we can respond to others the way Christ would. How can you practice these fruits today?