# 062 01/01/01 Kindness taught by ‘heart training’

Before Christmas, I was writing about developing character traits, specifically those found in Galatians 5:22. Previously, I have written about love, joy, peace and patience. The fifth “fruit of the Spirit” is kindness.

It is stated in Galatians that these traits are “fruit of the Spirit” or the consequence of being Spirit-filled. One might question why parents need to teach traits to children if those traits are the product of the Spirit’s indwelling. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 states, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.”

I believe that command was given because of the importance of preparing our children’s hearts to be receptive to God’s ways. Kindness, more than some other character traits, can be taught by “heart training.”

Children can be taught kindness by helping them see the other person’s perspective. Learning to look at situations from both sides is a characteristic that helps adults manage interpersonal relationships successfully.

Beginning at a very early age, talk to your children about how other people might feel in certain situations. Explain to your two-year-old how his little friend feels to be away from all his own toys so that your child understands the importance of sharing with a visiting child.

When a child enters school, he will meet children who have less money, less athletic ability and less intelligence. He will also meet children who have handicaps. Talk to your kindergartner about how children feel who are different.

As your child understands how others feel, it will be easier for him to show kindness in his interactions with children and adults.