Chrēsteuomai means to be kind, to show kindness or graciousness in action. Paul uses it in his famous description of love: 'Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.' Kindness here is active and relational, not mere sentiment. The verb appears only in this passage in the New Testament, placed immediately after patience as the second defining characteristic of Christian love. Kindness means acting for another's good, showing grace in word and deed, treating others with gentleness and consideration even when not deserved.