Chrestotes denotes goodness of heart, kindness, graciousness, and includes gentleness. Chrestotes is translated kindness in the NKJV and gentleness in the AV and RV. Chrestotes is love in tender action, a quality of goodness, and certainly requires gentleness in word and action. Kindness is intricately entwined with the other fruit of the Spirit.

Graciousness forms one element among the virtues contained in an act of kindness, alongside benevolence, generosity, mercy, goodness of heart, sympathy, compassion, unselfishness, and tolerance. Prayer to God supplies the graciousness and kindness required to take the first step toward resolving conflict even when one has been in the right. The Greek word chrestotes indicates goodness of heart, kindness, and graciousness. Kindness is expressed as grace, tenderness, mercy, compassion, and self-sacrificing tender action on behalf of others, and it is graciousness. Because God has been gracious toward humanity, everyone should be treated with kindness or grace.

Graciousness forms an essential aspect of politeness that stems from an inner goodness and benevolence. A faithful Christian should strive to be as gracious as possible. Little or no evidence of the fruit of the Spirit appears in bitter temperaments, rudeness, harshness, or arrogance. Politeness should be rooted in kindness rather than superficial courtesy. Singing with grace in the hearts occurs to the Lord. To be polite means to live as Christ's representative, gracious, respectful, and devoted to the happiness and dignity of others.