The Kindness of God

Introduction (2-3 minutes):

Share the story of David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13):

Briefly recount how David, despite Saul being his enemy, sought to show kindness to Saul’s family.

Key Verse:

2 Samuel 9:7 NKJV

7 So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.”

Relate this to God’s kindness: just as David sought out Mephibosheth to bless him, God sought us out by sending His Son to save and bless us.

Question:

Can you think of a time when someone showed kindness to you even though you didn’t deserve it? How did that make you feel?

Transition:

God shows us the ultimate kindness through Jesus Christ, which is the heart of Christmas.

The Kindness of God in Sending His Son (5 minutes):

Key Verse:

Titus 3:4–5 NKJV

4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Explain that God’s kindness is proactive; He sent Jesus even when we didn’t deserve it.

Romans 5:8 NKJV

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Relate this to the Christmas story: God’s kindness took the form of a baby born in a manger.

Luke 2:11 NKJV

11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Question:

Why do you think God sent Jesus even though we did not deserve it?

Transition:

The kindness of God wasn’t just shown in sending Jesus as a baby—it was displayed in the way Jesus lived and interacted with others too.

Jesus: The Embodiment of Kindness (5 minutes):

Share examples of Jesus’ kindness during His earthly ministry (e.g., healing the sick, forgiving sins, showing compassion).

Emphasize that Jesus’ ultimate act of kindness was going to the cross for our sins.

Key Verse:

John 3:16–17 NKJV

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Question:

What is one act of kindness you’ve seen or read about which reminds you of Jesus?

Transition:

Just as Jesus modeled kindness, we are called to reflect His kindness to others in our everyday lives.

How We Can Reflect God’s Kindness (5 minutes):

Key Verse:

Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Challenge students to reflect God’s kindness by showing love to others during the Christmas season.

Provide practical examples: helping a classmate, thanking teachers, sharing with those in need.

Question:

What is one way you can show kindness this week, especially during this Christmas season?

Transition:

The kindness you show to others is a reflection of God’s love, if you are indeed a part of God’s family. Only if you are truly saved can you have a powerful impact, just like in the story of the Good Samaritan.

You must be saved to be able to demonstrate and properly display the kindness of God.

Gospel [Accountable, Bad News, Good News, Response]

Conclusion (2-3 minutes):

Share the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37):

Key Verse:

Luke 10:33 NKJV

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

A man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is attacked by robbers, beaten, and left for dead. A priest and a Levite, both religious leaders, see him but pass by without helping. Finally, a Samaritan—a person often despised by the Jews—stops, tends to the man’s wounds, and takes him to an inn, where he pays for his care.

The story demonstrates true kindness and compassion, showing love in action regardless of differences or inconvenience. It reflects the heart of God’s kindness toward us and challenges us to show that same kindness to others.

Relate this to Christmas: just as the Samaritan went out of his way to help someone in need, God’s kindness moved Him to send Jesus to meet our greatest need.

Recap:

God’s kindness is the reason for Christmas, seen in Jesus’ birth, life, and sacrifice.

Encourage students to celebrate Christmas by showing kindness, just as God showed kindness to us.

Close with a short prayer, thanking God for His kindness and asking Him to help the students reflect it.