Be Kind to One Another
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Be Kind to One Another –
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by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Introduction:
A. Think back over your life:
1. What is the kindest thing that has ever been done for you?
* You remember it because it made an impression on you.
2. What’s the kindest thing you have ever done for someone else?
* You may have forgotten it because you expect kindness of yourself.
3. Kindness is highly prized by our society as a virtue to be cultivated.
B. However, kindness it doesn’t just instinctively occur; it must be cultivated.
1. We are born with an instinct for self-interest and for self-promotion.
a. Children must be taught to share and to play well with others.
b. Those that are raised without siblings (like me) are more difficult to teach.
2. One of the first verses we teach our children is:
– 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
C. As Christians we are commanded to develop the virtue of kindness.
1. We must add kindness:
– 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
2. In order to be a mature Christians, we must add kindness to our faith:
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
3. Note: The reason we’re commanded to develop it because it’s not naturally there.
D. Kindness is considered a virtue in Western culture because of Christ’s influence.
1. An oriental man once expressed that:
“The poor are put on the earth to be exploited by the wise. If I do not use them, they will be used be someone else.” -Unknown
2. Kindness is synonymous with Christianity because Jesus is kindness personified.
– 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, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 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, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
3. Interesting: The Romans often confused the terms for Christian and for kindness.
a. 📷📷In the Greek there is only on letter difference in the two words. (“chrestos” = kind; “Christos” = Christ)
b. Consequently, The Christians were often called “the kind.”
It was an easy mistake because the Christians were so very kind.
c. The Romans were a cruel and brutal people so Christians were a stark contrast.
With this lesson we will look into God’s command that Christians “be kind to one another.”
I. What is kindness?
A. Kindness is inherent within the very nature of God.
a. If God possesses a quality He has or He is it completely.
b. God is never “a little bit” anything.
2. – 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
3. – 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
4. God is even kind to those who hate Him and to those who rebel against Him.
a. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
b. – But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in (We’re not kind just return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the to the deserving.) Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. (NAS)
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
B. Kindness is a command required of all Christians.
1. – 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
2. It is a requirement for leadership among God’s people.
– 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
3. Older women must teach younger women to be kind.
a. – to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. (NAS)
to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
b. Notice that God is dishonored when women are not kind.
C. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit.
1. – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
2. God is love (, ) and love is kind. So, to be godly, one must be kind. – Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
3. Therefore, if one has the Spirit of God dwelling within him, he will be kind.
D. Definition:
1. Webster’s dictionary:
a. Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature
b. Warm-hearted; showing sympathy or understanding; charitable; agreeable;
2. Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon:
a. Kind, pleasant, mild, benevolent,
b. affection for people, love for fellow believer, gentle
3. Simplest definition: Kindness = love in action, the application of love.
(“Kindness is loving people more than they deserve.” French essayist Joseph Jubert)
II. How can one become a kind person?
A. Everyone has the ability to be kind. (It doesn’t require intelligence or skills.)
1. We know everyone can do it, because God commanded everyone to be kind.
2. Even unsaved people can be kind.
a. In the parable of “The Good Samaritan” the unsaved Samaritan was kind.
b. Remember Cornelius in .
B. The one who wants to be a kind person must make a decision and commit to it.
1. – 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
a. Consider ... decision
b. As dead ... commitment (Then Vs. 12 says to add kindness.)
2. Before we can be kind to one another we must put away our negative attitudes:
– 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
C. Kindness must be consciously practiced until it becomes a conditioned response.
1. It does not just naturally happen, but everyone can learn it. (Like throwing a ball.)
a. Some say, “Everyone has his own gift and kindness is not mine.”
b. The one who says that is saying I’m untaught and have no self-discipline.
2. Start with small things:
a. Open the door for everyone you meet in a doorway.
b. Practice extreme politeness, e.g., always say, please, thank you, excuse me, etc.
* All the good a servant does reflects on his master as well as all of his mistakes.
III. What are some ways I can glorify God through kindness to others?
A. Be sensitive to others.
1. Open the window to your little world ... develop an awareness of others.
2. – 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
3. If you care, you’ll be aware. (Remember when you were dating ... eager to please)
4. In today’s society we are all too busy for others.
a. Life becomes all about me and mine.
b. Professor asked his class: What are the three greatest emotional needs of those closest to you. They didn’t know. Do you know?
B. Be supportive of others. (Words have power. Use them to lift others.)
1. – 24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
2. Remember when you were a child how mean some kids were on the playground.
a. A teacher taught a lie: “Sticks and stones may break my bone, but words can never hurt me.”
b. Words do hurt so choose them carefully.
3. What if God fed you by giving you a dollar for every person you affirmed each day, but took away a dollar for everyone you criticized, were abrupt with or ignored? Would you gain or lose weight? (Give at least one sincere compliment to all daily.)
C. Be sympathetic to the trials of others.
1. – Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
2. Learn to connect with others on an emotional level. (Feel and let it show.)
3. Men can show their emotions to other people.
a. – Jesus wept. (The servant is not greater than his master.)
Jesus wept.
b. Why do we go to a funeral? No words will help. You give emotional support.
c. Demonstrations of love are not inconsistent with manhood.
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.
4. The key to the heart of a teenager is sympathizing with their fears.
a. Everything in a teenager’s life is a crisis. They live in constant fear.
b. Never say, “That’s no big deal.” Make it important to you. Sympathize.
D. Be straightforward and honest with others.
1. – 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Friends love; others flatter.)
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
a. When someone is involved in destructive behavior, we must not ignore it.
b. We teach our children not to do hurtful things. (Key in electric socket, etc.)
2. It is an unloving act to allow anyone to perish without warning.
a. This is the message of the commercial, “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”
b. Those who love will not worry about how the telling affects them.
3. When you are sick would you want to have the doctor tell you all is fine so you wouldn’t be upset or disappointed.
a. The surgeon cuts you in order to make you better.
b. The medicine tastes horrible, but it cures the disease.
4. We must have the courage to put others first, to speak up, to lovingly confront.
a. You wouldn’t leave a child playing in the highway because he’d cry if moved.
b. They may be upset for the present, but will be grateful down the road.
5. What could be more important than a person’s immortal soul? Confront with gospel.
E. Be spontaneous with your kindness.
1. – 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (cf- )
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
2. “You can never do an act of kindness too soon
for you never know when it will be too late.” Emerson
3. Send flowers while they’re still alive to smell them, not to the funeral.
4. That which is delayed often doesn’t get done. (Life is busy so minds get cluttered.) “The smallest act of kindness is better than the grandest intention.” Oscar Wilde
Conclusion:
A. This is a very basic lesson, but it’s one we all need from time to time.
1. If one is to be godly, he must be given to kindness. (Being Godly is being like God.)
2. Though kindness is within God’s nature, man must learn it.
3. One proves his love for God by obeying His commands. ()
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.
B. There are many ways to be kind, we have looked at only five.
1. Be sensitive to others. ... Learn to be aware of the needs of others. (eye out)
2. Be supportive of others. ... Life is tough enough, affirm, don’t criticize.
3. Be sympathetic to the trials of other. ... Learn to feel with and for others.
4. Be straightforward and honest. ... Have the courage to practice kindness.
5. Be spontaneous ... Never put it off ... Life is busy, take the time.
C. Many much wiser than I have written about kindness. Here’s a sampling:
1. The famous motivational speaker known as Dr. Love, Leo Buscaglio wrote:
Never underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
2. The 18th century song writer and theologian, F.W. Faber, wrote: “Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence or learning.”
3. Noted Author and psychiatrists, Theodore Isaac Rubin wrote:
“Kindness is more important than wisdom and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.”
the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.”
4. The author, Neil C. Strait wrote:
“Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch; it is anything that lifts another person.”
5. Famous preacher in London’s past, Charles Spurgeon wrote:
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when the roses have withered.
So, carve your name on hearts not on marble.”
D. God wrote: – To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; (NAS)
E. – 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Let us all keep growing kindness. If you haven’t yet, accept God’s kind now.
Lesson Texts:
Lesson Texts:
8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, , ( add ) brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
and in your godliness, (add) brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.