Be Kind Rewind

Introduction

Our hope is to encourage us to always, always be kind.

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate.

Albert Schweitzer

Kindness should be intentional, not random.

John D. Barry; Rebecca Kruyswijk

Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Ephesians 2:7–8 “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”

Ephesians 4:31–5:1 ESV

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant”

2 Corinthians 6:6 “by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love;”

Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Colossians 3:12 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”

Titus 3:4–5 ESV

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Defining Bible Words for Kindness

Kindness is used to translate several words all closely related

Philanthropia - benevolent, love for mankind

Epithumea - Indulgence, tolerance

Kallo + poieo - Highly, correctly, well

Agathos - good

Chraestos - Good, kind, benevolent, goodness

Often the ideas of grace, faithfulness and mercy are closely united with the idea of kindness.

There are many times when our kindness should stretch to cover the unkindness of others

Jesus wants us to be kind turn the other cheek, lend without expectation of return, go the extra mile, Repay good for evil.

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

John 15:13 ESV

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

To bear fruit as a Christian we must have; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness Gal 5:22

The Purpose of Kindness

Colossians 3:12 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”

A. Kindness is more than a words; it is deeds and actions

James asks what good does it do just to say be warm, be filled yet do nothing to supply the needs of that person James 2:16

B. Humbleness of mind is realizing we are and have nothing without God

C. Meekness is putting Christ first

D. Longsuffering is much needed to be kind

ILLUSTRATION

Lady at the store seeing a man with a little boy in his cart. He kept saying “Be calm Albert” He was seen doing this all the while the child kept being rambunctious. Finally, as the lady was leaving the store she said to the man, “You are the most patient daddy to baby Albert” The man replied, Lady, my name is Albert.

Song They will know we are Christians by our Love

The PRACTICE of KINDNESS

Ephesians 4:31–5:1 (ESV)

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

A. Kindness demands Consideration “Be Kind to one another” This calls for us to be considerate of sinner and saint alike.

I always think of how Jesus was kind to the lady who touched the hem of His garment. He was kind in his actions toward her. Luke 8:43–48 “And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.””

He was kind to all sinners too. The Samaritan woman, Zaccheus. Lk 19

He taught about kindness in the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin Lk 15

Galatians 6:1 ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Think of how kind God has been to us while we were once lost in sin

Many are so ashamed that they are afraid to come back. But If we treat them with the same kindness as the Father of the prodigal son they may turn toward home.

One of the reason church discipline does not work with many is that they never felt the sense of family. They didn’t develop deep abiding friendships with members of the church. So they don’t miss anything by being withdrawn from.

Ephesians 2:1–3 ESV

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

1 Peter 4:8 ESV

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Kindness seeks the lost and the lost again. It is a travesty To bring someone into Christ and then leave them to founder without direction and teaching. That is the most unkind thing we could do.

B. Concern “Tenderhearted” Kindness leads to charity or Love in action. It sees people’s problems then help

There are many people in this world who are hurting for many various reasons. Just having someone to care enough to listen is often what they need.

There are more fatherless children in this world than we can imagine even in our little town. They need someone to care about them, toss a ball with them, attend their band recitals etc. Etc.

Think of How you would want to be treated if you were caught up in a sin. Remember how Paul expressed it?

Titus 3:4–5 ESV

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

C. Christlike “forgiving one another.” Just as Christ has forgiven us we must be ready to forgive other.

Colossians 3:13 ESV

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Personality of Kindness

1 Corinthians 13:4–5 ESV

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

Kindness is very recognizable today! We know it when we see it or experience it.

ILLUSTRATION ARNIE AND IRENE

A. The patience of Kindness “Love is very patient and kind”

B. The Practice of Kindness “Never jealous or envious”

C.The Practicality of Kindness “Never boastful or proud”

D. The Pardon of Kindness “It doesn’t hold grudges”

ILLUSTRATION

I have wept in the night

At my shortness of sight

That to others’ needs made me blind,

But I have never yet,

Had a twinge of regret

For being a little too kind

Story of Mamie Adams going to the post office in her home town because the employees were so friendly.

She went to buy stamps and the lines were clear out the door.

Someone pointed out to her that if she just wanted stamps there was stamp machine in the hall.

“I know” said Maime, “but that machine won’t ask me about my arthritis”

The Proof of Kindness

We can more easily avenge an injury than requite a kindness; on this account, because there is less difficulty in getting the better of the wicked than in making one’s self equal with the good.

M. Tullius Cicero

Joseph - Gen 50:18-24 Jesus forgave his brothers. He could have sent them to prison for selling him as a slave, but he forgave and forgot the past

David 2 Samuel 18:5 David forgave Absalom who was seeking to kill his father, “And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.”

Jesus Christ - Luke 23:34 Upon the cross, Christ prayed that God would forgive those who were crucifying Him.

Stephen - Ac 7:60 He forgave the religious leaders and others who were stoning him to death.