NJ - Showing the Kindness of God

Today we are going to look at: The kindness of God. Kindness is one of the Fruit of The Spirit, it is not just something that we do naturally, it is something that we choose to do. Over this month as we look at the theme of: Kindness, let it be a conscious descision that we make to be kind.

Scripture:

Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Kindness is a Fruit of The Spirit, it is not just something that we do naturally, it is something that we choose to do. Over this month as we look at the theme of: Kindness, let it be a conscious descision that we make to be kind.

Lets Pray

2. Be SUPPORTIVE Of Others

3. Be a True Friend

4. Be SPONTANEOUS

Lets Pray

Showing the Kindness of God

Today we are going to look at: The kindness of God.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (NASB)

Today we are going to look at: The kindness of God.

Colossians 3:12–13 NKJV

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 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.

says:

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” (NASB)

Notice the words “put on”. That is what the Greek word literally means – “put on”. Paul is saying when we wake up in the morning we ought to get dressed spiritually and emotionally as well as physically. When we wake up in the morning and decide what to wear we should ask ourselves, “What kind of attitude am I going to put on today?”

Paul says kindness is a choice. It is something we can choose to “put on” every day.

Kindness is “love in action”

A practical expression of love. It is visible and active – not just emotional.

Why should we be kind?

Kindness is the nature of God, it is who He is not just what He does. Kindness can be risky. If we are nice to someone they might think, “Why is this person being so nice?

After all – kindness is kind of risky. If we are nice to someone they might think, “Why is this person being so nice? What’s in it for him?” On the other hand if we are kind to people they might try to take advantage of us. So kindness is kind of risky.

Have you ever thought that yourself?

What’s in it for him?” On the other hand if we are kind to people they might try to take advantage of us. So kindness is kind of risky.

Despite the risks we are to be kind.

We are to be kind because God is kind to us. says:

First, we are to be kind because God is kind to us. says:

we are to be kind because God is kind to us. says:

“Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (NASB)

We want to be treated right. Jesus said: “

The other reason we should be kind is that we want people to be kind to us. We want to be treated right. Jesus said: “

"In everything treat people the same way you want them to treat you” (NASB)

"Do for others what you would want them to do for you.”

Another way of saying it is:

"Do for others what you would want them to do for you.” (ERV)

If you are rude to other people they are going to be rude to you. But if you are kind, most people will want to respond the same way.

What does it mean to be a kind person, and how can we become kinder?

WAYS TO BE KIND TO PEOPLE

1. Smile.

2. Look for ways you can promote peace.

3. Just listen.

4. Offer a hug.

5. Invite someone new into your friend tribe.

6. Send out a kind email.

7. Give someone a genuine compliment.

8. Help clean up, without being asked.

9. Hold open the door for the person behind you.

10. Encourage a friend or family member.

11. Make peace.

12. Strike up a conversation with a stranger.

13. Let someone into your lane while driving.

14. Pay for the person behind you in line.

15. Give your time.

16. Say Thank You and Please.

17. Meditate on loving kindness.

18. Say "I love you".

19. Pause before you speak.

20. Help someone get some rest.

21. Pick up litter.

22. Remove complaints and curses for one week.

23. Gift something meaningful to someone.

24. Make a donation.

25. Give up your seat.

1. Put Others First

God has lead by example with this, He gave His Son for us, He put us first. Kindness always starts with noticing what is going on in other people’s lives. Here is a fact: Everyone you meet this week needs kindness.

John 15:16 NKJV

16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Philippians 2:3–4 NKJV

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

First, kind people are sensitive to others. They are aware of the needs of those around them. So become aware of the needs of those around you. Tune in to them. Kindness always starts with sensitivity. says:

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (NASB)

The people you meet on the street need kindness, the person sitting next to you needs kindness. Everyone needs kindness. Kindness is puting others first.

David looks for a reletive of Saul to show kindness.

The people you meet on the street need kindness – the person sitting next to you in the pew needs kindness. Everyone needs kindness. Kindness starts with sensitivity.

. David was crowned king of Israel and had led the Israelites in a series of military victories. The former King Saul had died. Saul had tried to kill David on several occasions. Yet Jonathan, Saul’s son and David liked each other dearly. They were very good friends.

David eventually became king. David made an unusual request. He asked whether there was anyone left in Saul’s family to whom he could be kind.

David eventually became king. Saul had died and Jonathan had died. Then David made an unusual request. He asked whether there was anyone left in Saul’s family to whom he could be kind. They found Saul’s grandson – Jonathan’s son – Mephibosheth was still alive. Mephibosheth however was crippled in both feet because of an accident when he was five years old.

They found Saul’s grandson – Jonathan’s son – Mephibosheth was still alive. Mephibosheth however was crippled in both feet because of an accident when he was five years old.

So David sent for Mephibosheth. He probably thought, I am going to be killed because I am Saul’s grandson. But here is what happens:

David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly." (NASB)

Mephibosheth’s response is interesting:

“What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”

He apparently had a poor self image. He was part of the loosing family. He had become a cripple. I’m sure he was discouraged and down – but David actively looked for Saul’s family members in order to be kind to them. Be sensitive to those who are hurting.

Being supportive of others is another area of kindness that we should out work. When you champion others and support them, you bring out the best in them, This means talking about building people up rather than tearing them down. Be supportive in what you say . Speak kindly. says:

A second characteristic exhibited by kind people is supportiveness. This means talking about building people up rather than tearing them down. Watch what you say to people. Be supportive in your speech. Speak kindly. says:

Proverbs 15:1 NKJV

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

(NASB)

Nobody likes to be put down. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Names do hurt! Labels hurt!

There is life and death in the power of the tounge

You can destroy others with what you say to them.

Build people up with your words. Give everyone you meet encouragement.

Be supportive.

says:

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.”

Proverbs 3:3 NKJV

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,

Questions

Are you the kind of person? It should be our manner at all times.

How supportive are you in speaking to others?

Do you encourage or discourage with your words?

Do you lift up or tear down?

Let us be kind all the time. (Not just when we feel like it.)

Joseph is a good example of a man who was kind. Everything seemed to go wrong in Joseph’s life. His brothers treated him like dirt. In fact, they put him in a pit and sold him into slavery. Everything seemed to go wrong during the first thirty years of his life: he was falsely accused of adultery, he was put into prison, he was the victim of broken promises. But later the tables were turned, and Joseph became second in command in all of Egypt. His brothers come to him on bended knee, and at that time Joseph had the opportunity to retaliate and get even. But the Bible says that Joseph reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Kind works can build a bridge. Harsh words can tear it down.

We should always speak kindly even when given the opportunity to retaliate.

3. Be a True Friend

Number three:

3. Be SYMPATHETIC

A third characteristic of a kind person is the ability to be sympathetic. If you want to be kind – learn to be sympathetic.

People appreciate it when you sympathize with them, when you grieve with them and hurt with them. Many times when someone is experiencing a crisis, other people say, “We feel so awkward. We just don’t know what to say at times like this.” Actually, you don’t have to say anything. Just being there is an expression of kindness.

Sometimes a touch on the shoulder, a tear, a pat on the back, or a grasp of the hand is all a hurting person needs. That is kindness.

Sometimes a touch on the shoulder, a tear, a pat on the back, or a grasp of the hand is all a hurting person needs. That is kindness. says:

says:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (NASB)

Did you know that the shortest verse in the Bible is only two words? Those two words are:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

“Jesus wept.” (NASB)

(NASB)

The situation is that Jesus went to a friend’s house and there he was confronted with the fact that his friend was dead. His response was simple. His response was natural. His response was human emotion. “Jesus wept.”

In some ways this puzzles me. I stand in wonder when I read that verse. For I must ask the question: “Why is the King of kings and the Lord of lords breaking down and crying at the moment”? He who holds the power of life in His hands still wept, He still cried, at the situation of death. Yet, though I ponder that question in my mind, the scripture still speaks plain; “Jesus wept.” Perhaps he was teaching us:

Did you know that the shortest verse in the Bible is only two words? Those two words are:

“Jesus wept.”

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (NASB)

He was being sympathetic. He was showing kindness. If you want to know what kindness id like – just look at Jesus. No matter how many Bible verses you have memorized or how often you go to church – if you are not kind – you are not like Jesus. So learn to be a kind person by being sensitive, supportive, and sympathetic.

(NASB)

4. Be STRAIGHTFORWARD

The situation is that Jesus went to a friend’s house and there he was confronted with the fact that his friend was dead. His response was simple. His response was natural. His response was human emotion. “Jesus wept.”

A kind person is also straightforward. Sometimes kindness means being candid. Sometime it means laying it on the line – telling the truth – leveling with people. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is to be frank with a friend and tell that person exactly where he or she is wrong. says:

In some ways this puzzles me. I stand in wonder when I read that verse. For I must ask the question: “Why is the King of kings and the Lord of lords breaking down and crying at the moment”? He who holds the power of life in His hands still wept, He still cried, at the situation of death. Yet, though I ponder that question in my mind, the scripture still speaks plain; “Jesus wept.” Perhaps he was teaching us:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” (NASB)

The Contemporary English Version says it this way:

(NASB)

“You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies.” (CEV)

He was being sympathetic. He was showing kindness. If you want to know what kindness id like – just look at Jesus. No matter how many Bible verses you have memorized or how often you go to church – if you are not kind – you are not like Jesus. So learn to be a kind person by being sensitive, supportive, and sympathetic.

A real friend will level with you and say such things as, “You’re blowing it” or “You need to get in shape” or “You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.”

Suppose a doctor examines you, finds something seriously wrong, and then says either “You must have surgery” or “Relax and don’t worry about it.” Which is the kinder statement? If you need surgery – the kind thing is for the doctor to tell you that you need it. Sometimes kindness means being straightforward.

In Galatians chapter two we find an interesting story. Peter was visiting the church at Antioch which was made up largely of Gentile Christians. He was enjoying their fellowship and having a nice time with them. But one day some Jewish Christians came down from Jerusalem to Antioch and Peter pulled away from the Gentile Christians.

When Paul saw this he said to Peter, “Peter, you are being a hypocrite. What you are doing is wrong. You need to treat all Christians the same – whether they come from Jewish background or Gentile background – it makes no difference.”

4. Be a True Friend

Remember Paul wrote:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

A kind person is also straightforward.

In other words, a straightforward person is straightforward about EVERYTHING, the good the bad the satisfaction and the frustration. A mean person, on the other hand, is bitter and manipulative. They hide behind "honesty" or "being straightforward" to belittle and hurt other people.

Sometimes kindness means being truthful. Telling the truth – leveling with people. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is to be honest with a friend.

Proverbs 27:6 NKJV

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Paul cared for Peter and he also knew that Peter had crossed the line – so he confronted him face to face. He was straightforward with Peter. We should be straightforward too.

The Contemporary English Version says it this way:

says:

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”

5. Be SPONTANEOUS

Finally, if you want to be kind – learn to be spontaneous. Do not wait to show kindness. Do it while you have the opportunity. Do it now. Be spontaneous.

(NASB)

says:

“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

The Contemporary English Version says it this way:

(NASB)

“You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies.”

Note the phrase “while we have opportunity.” When should we be kind? Whenever we have the opportunity.

A real friend will level with you and say such things as,

(CEV)

On some occasion you probably have thought, “That person was really nice to me. I ought to write him a little thank-you note.” Or maybe you have thought, “I need to make that phone call or I need to send a little gift or I want to take something over to the neighbors.” Then you may have delayed and you kept delaying until you were so embarrassed that you didn’t do it at all. I suppose we all have had similar experiences. Yet, when it comes to kindness – good intentions don’t count. The opportunity may not last until you “get around to it.” Scripture says that when you have the opportunity to be kind – you need to do it.

“You’re blowing it”

A real friend will level with you and say such things as, “You’re blowing it” or “You need to get in shape” or “You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.”

When you get the slightest inclination to call someone – do it.

“You need to get in shape”

“You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.”

In we see an interesting story. Peter was visiting the church at Antioch which was made up largely of Gentile Christians. He was enjoying their fellowship and having a nice time with them. But one day some Jewish Christians came down from Jerusalem to Antioch and Peter pulled away from the Gentile Christians.

The classic example of spontaneous kindness in Scripture is the story of the Good Samaritan. You know the story – a man was beaten by robbers and left naked and half dead on the side of the road. A priest came along, looked at him, and said, “Oh, I don’t want to be near that guy. I would be defiled.” Another religious leader came along later and walked right on past. But then a Samaritan came by – a person considered by the Jews to be of an inferior race. The Samaritan bound up the man’s wounds – took him to the nearest inn – reached in his pocket and paid for the man to stay there. Then he told the inn keeper, “Take care of him and charge it to my account. I’ll stop by on my way back and pay for it.”

Galatians 2:11–16 NKJV

11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

Gal 2:11-

Kindness – costs.

In Galatians chapter two we find an interesting story. Peter was visiting the church at Antioch which was made up largely of Gentile Christians. He was enjoying their fellowship and having a nice time with them. But one day some Jewish Christians came down from Jerusalem to Antioch and Peter pulled away from the Gentile Christians.

But when the Samaritan saw the need – he didn’t think twice. He dropped everything without hesitation. He was spontaneous.

When Paul saw this he said to Peter, “Peter, you are being a hypocrite. What you are doing is wrong. You need to treat all Christians the same – whether they come from Jewish background or Gentile background – it makes no difference.”

Remember Paul wrote:

The priest probably had plenty of excuses for not helping the man. The other religious man probably did too. But here is the point: Jesus does care about our excuses – he cares if we are care.

There are all kinds of people around us who are hurting. They are hurting physically – emotionally – spiritually. The questions I must ask myself are, “What is my excuse for not helping them? And “Why am I not a kind person?”

(NASB) “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

BE KIND TO SOMEONE THIS WEEK

You know it is one thing to hear a sermon about becoming a kind person – but it is another thing to become one.

(NASB)

Our world is filled with people who need kindness.

Paul cared for Peter and he also knew that Peter had crossed the line – so he confronted him face to face. He was straightforward with Peter. We should be straightforward too.

One of the fruits of Spirit is kindness – won’t you be kind to those who are around you?

4. Be SPONTANEOUS

Finally, if you want to be kind – learn to be spontaneous. Do not wait to show kindness. Do it while you have the opportunity. Do it now. Be spontaneous.

Galatians 6:10 NKJV

10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

While we have opportunity.”

“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

When should we be kind?

(NASB)

Whenever we have the opportunity.

Note the phrase “while we have opportunity.” When should we be kind? Whenever we have the opportunity.

On some occasion you probably have thought, “That person was really nice to me.

I ought to write him a little thank-you note.”

Or maybe you have thought,

“I need to make that phone call

or I need to send a little gift

or I want to take something over to the neighbors.”

Then you may have delayed, I suppose we all have had similar experiences. Yet, when it comes to kindness – good intentions don’t count. The opportunity may not last until you “get around to it.”

As this scripture says: that when you have the opportunity to be kind – you need to do it.

When you get the slightest inclination to call someone – do it.

the Good Samaritan - The classic example of spontaneous kindness in Scripture is the story of the Good Samaritan. You know the story – a man was beaten by robbers and left naked and half dead on the side of the road.

The classic example of spontaneous kindness in Scripture is the story of the Good Samaritan. You know the story – a man was beaten by robbers and left naked and half dead on the side of the road. A priest came along, looked at him, and said, “Oh, I don’t want to be near that guy. I would be defiled.” Another religious leader came along later and walked right on past. But then a Samaritan came by – a person considered by the Jews to be of an inferior race. The Samaritan bound up the man’s wounds – took him to the nearest inn – reached in his pocket and paid for the man to stay there. Then he told the inn keeper, “Take care of him and charge it to my account. I’ll stop by on my way back and pay for it.”

A priest came along, looked at him, and said, “Oh, I don’t want to be near that guy. I would be defiled.”

A religious leader came along later and walked right on past.

But then a Samaritan came by – a person considered by the Jews to be of an inferior race. The Samaritan bound up the man’s wounds – took him to the nearest inn – reached in his pocket and paid for the man to stay there. Then he told the inn keeper, “Take care of him and charge it to my account. I’ll stop by on my way back and pay for it.”

Kindness – costs.

But when the Samaritan saw the need – he didn’t think twice. He dropped everything without hesitation. He was spontaneous.

We can always make an excuss on why we are not able to do it.

The priest probably had plenty of excuses for not helping the man. The other religious man probably did too. But here is the point: Jesus does care about our excuses – he cares if we are care.

There are all kinds of people around us who are hurting. They are hurting physically, emotionally, spiritually. The question we must ask ourself is, “What is my excuse for not helping them? And “Why am I not a kind person?”

Conclusion

As the worship team join me on stage

1. Put Others First

2. Be SUPPORTIVE Of Others

3. Be a True Friend

4. Be SPONTANEOUS

BE KIND TO SOMEONE THIS WEEK

Our world is filled with people who need kindness. Be Kind.

Our world is filled with people who need kindness.

Close in Prayer

One of the fruits of Spirit is kindness – won’t you be kind to those who are around you?

NJ - Showing the Kindness of God

NJ - Showing the Kindness of God

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Jul 5, 2016

Summary: Showing the Kindness of God.

1. Put others first

2. Be supportive of others

3. Be a true friend

4. Be SPONTANEOUS

5. Be SPONTANEOUS

NJ - Showing the Kindness of God

NJ - Showing the Kindness of God

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Jul 5, 2016

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Summary: Showing the Kindness of God.

1. Put others first

2. Be supportive of others

3. Be a true friend

4. Be SPONTANEOUS

5. Be SPONTANEOUS