Kindness

Introduction

When I was in highschool and heard a preacher start talking about an easy topic like kindness I would just tune him out, but its so important

explain why

1. Kindness with thoughts

John 3:1–2 KJV 1900

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

*Give context (Nicodemus talk with Jesus at night)

Nicodemus had to have certain thoughts about Jesus in order to call this meeting.

When we think of kindness we don’t really think of thoughts.

Thoughts are between you and God. They are private but still matter.

Preach on thought life, and how having kind thoughts is necessary

2. Kindness with words

John 7:43–53 KJV 1900

So there was a division among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. And every man went unto his own house.

*Give Context (Jesus teaching in temple, Pharisees want to arrest him)

Words are between you, God and others

Kind words are necessary

3. Kindness with actions

John 19:38–42 KJV 1900

And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

*Give context (crucifixion)

Kind actions are necessary

practice what you preach

Kindness is a virtue. It is so important, and the root of kindness is love. If you don’t have love for people, you wont be kind.

I can love others and be kind because Christ is loving and kind to me.

I cannot force myself to love others and be kind.

I must rely on Christ’s Spirit to love others and be kind to others.