Embodying Divine Kindness: A Call to Action
Summary
Kindness is a transformative power that God has woven into the fabric of our spiritual DNA. It is a characteristic of Jesus Himself, which the Holy Spirit is eager to cultivate within us. As we delve into the essence of kindness, we recognize that it is not merely an act of goodwill but a profound expression of God's love and mercy. Kindness is the fifth element in the fruit of the Spirit, and it is a multifaceted attribute that is deeply rooted in the nature of God, as revealed throughout Scripture.
In the Old Testament, the word for kindness is often used to describe God's enduring love and faithfulness. It is a rich and weighty term that encompasses mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. This same kindness is vividly demonstrated in God's work of salvation through Jesus Christ. While we were still sinners, God's mercy was so abundant that He made us alive with Christ, raised us up, and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. This is the ultimate expression of His kindness: salvation not earned by our deeds but granted as a gift of grace.
The New Testament instructs us on how to express this divine kindness in our lives. First, we are called to extend kindness to the undeserving, reflecting God's own generosity towards us. Jesus taught us to love our enemies and do good to them, for God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Kindness sees beyond what is deserved and offers grace and love instead.
Second, kindness goes against our default human setting. Our natural inclinations may lead us to bitterness, rage, anger, and malice, but in Christ, we are empowered to set these aside. The story of Chuck Smith and Lonnie Frisbee illustrates this beautifully. Despite initial distrust and dislike, an act of kindness led to a transformation and a revival that spread across North America.
Third, kindness is inextricably linked to forgiveness. We cannot live out the fruit of the Spirit if we cling to unforgiveness. The story of Corrie ten Boom, who forgave a former Nazi guard, exemplifies the power of kindness to overcome even the deepest wounds. Her act of forgiveness was a testament to the kindness she had received from God and was now extending to others.
In summary, kindness is a divine attribute that we are called to embody in our interactions with others. It is a powerful force that can change lives, heal wounds, and reflect the heart of God to a world in need.
Key Takeaways:
- Kindness is an expression of God's enduring love and mercy, which we have experienced profoundly through the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. As recipients of this divine kindness, we are called to be conduits of the same grace to others, often in ways that go beyond what is humanly expected or deserved. [14:54]
- True kindness challenges our natural inclinations and calls us to replace bitterness and anger with compassion and forgiveness. It requires a supernatural strength that comes from the Holy Spirit, enabling us to act in ways that reflect the character of Christ rather than our default human responses. [28:40]
- Extending kindness to the undeserving is a radical imitation of God's love for us. It is not about reciprocation or obligation but about giving freely and generously, as God has given to us. This kind of kindness can break down barriers and create unexpected friendships and alliances, as seen in the story of Chuck Smith and Lonnie Frisbee. [17:56]
- Forgiveness is a profound expression of kindness. It is not merely a feeling but a choice to release others from the debt of their wrongs against us, just as God has forgiven us in Christ. The story of Corrie ten Boom is a powerful example of forgiveness in action, demonstrating that even the deepest hurts can be healed through the kindness of forgiveness. [35:42]
- Kindness is not a passive quality but an active force that requires intentionality and effort. It is about taking the initiative to be kind, even when it is difficult or when the recipient seems undeserving. By doing so, we align ourselves with the heart of God and participate in His redemptive work in the world. [19:46]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Transformative Power of Kindness
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
2. Ephesians 2:4-7 - "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."
3. Luke 6:35-36 - "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. According to Ephesians 2:4-7, how does God demonstrate His kindness to us?
3. In Luke 6:35-36, what actions does Jesus instruct us to take towards our enemies, and why?
4. How did the customs officer at the Canadian border demonstrate kindness to the pastor and his wife? [01:51]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is kindness considered a profound expression of God's love and mercy, as described in Ephesians 2:4-7? [12:28]
2. How does the story of Mary Johnson and O'Shea Israel illustrate the concept of extending kindness to the undeserving? [21:52]
3. What does it mean to express kindness contrary to our default setting, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:31-32? [24:20]
4. How does the act of forgiveness relate to kindness, based on the story of Corrie ten Boom? [31:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received kindness from someone unexpectedly. How did it impact you, and how can you replicate that kindness in your interactions this week? [01:51]
2. Think of someone in your life who you find difficult to be kind to. What specific steps can you take to show them kindness, as Jesus instructs in Luke 6:35-36? [17:56]
3. Identify a situation where your natural inclination is to respond with bitterness or anger. How can you consciously choose kindness instead, following the example in Ephesians 4:31-32? [24:20]
4. Is there someone you need to forgive in order to fully live out the fruit of the Spirit? What steps can you take this week to begin the process of forgiveness? [30:24]
5. How can you make kindness a more intentional part of your daily routine? Think of one specific act of kindness you can commit to each day this week.
6. Reflect on the story of Chuck Smith and Lonnie Frisbee. How can you embrace and show kindness to someone who is different from you or whom you initially distrust? [26:23]
7. Consider the transformative power of kindness in your community. What are some practical ways your small group can collectively show kindness to those in need around you? [37:04]
This guide aims to help your small group delve deeper into the transformative power of kindness, encouraging both personal reflection and practical application in daily life.
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Kindness: Our Spiritual Inheritance
Kindness is not just a social grace but a spiritual inheritance that reflects the very nature of God. It is an attribute that is meant to be cultivated within us, transforming our interactions and relationships. This divine kindness is a gift we have received through salvation in Jesus Christ, and it is our calling to extend this gift to others. It is about acting beyond what is humanly expected or deserved, offering grace and love in a way that mirrors God's generosity towards us. This kind of kindness can change lives, heal wounds, and showcase the heart of God to those around us. It is a powerful force that can break down barriers and create unexpected friendships and alliances. [14:54]
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you find difficult to show kindness to? How can you extend God's kindness to them this week?
Day 2: Kindness Against Our Nature
Our natural inclinations often lead us away from kindness, steering us towards bitterness and anger. However, true kindness challenges these inclinations and calls us to replace negative emotions with compassion and forgiveness. This requires supernatural strength from the Holy Spirit, enabling us to act in ways that reflect the character of Christ. By doing so, we not only become better individuals but also better representatives of the faith we profess. This transformation is a testament to the power of God working within us, allowing us to exhibit kindness in even the most challenging circumstances. [28:40]
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." - Colossians 3:12 ESV
Reflection: What is one situation where you find it challenging to respond with kindness? How can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond differently next time?
Day 3: Radical Generosity of Kindness
Kindness is a radical imitation of God's love for us, especially when extended to those who may seem undeserving. It is not about reciprocation or obligation but about giving freely and generously, as God has given to us. This kind of radical generosity can lead to profound impacts, breaking down barriers and fostering unexpected relationships. It is a testament to the transformative power of God's love in action, and it calls us to be intentional in our efforts to be kind, even when it is difficult. [17:56]
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." - Luke 6:35 ESV
Reflection: Can you think of a time when someone showed you kindness without expecting anything in return? How can you pay that kindness forward today?
Day 4: Forgiveness as an Act of Kindness
Forgiveness is perhaps one of the most profound expressions of kindness. It is a deliberate choice to release others from the debt of their wrongs, mirroring the forgiveness we have received through Christ. This act of kindness has the power to heal even the deepest wounds and is a clear demonstration of the divine kindness that has been extended to us. By choosing to forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of bitterness and open the door to reconciliation and healing. [35:42]
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive, as an act of kindness, even if they haven't asked for it? How can you take steps towards forgiveness today?
Day 5: Active Kindness in Practice
Kindness is not a passive quality but an active force that requires intentionality and effort. It is about taking the initiative to be kind, even when it is difficult or when the recipient seems undeserving. By actively practicing kindness, we align ourselves with the heart of God and participate in His redemptive work in the world. This active practice is a choice we make daily, to be agents of God's love and grace in every interaction we have. [19:46]
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." - Hebrews 13:16 ESV
Reflection: What is one act of kindness you can commit to doing today, and how can it serve as a reflection of God's love to those around you?
Quotes
1) "Kindness is giving a gift and giving it to someone who would never consider who would never consider gifting you." [19:10] (Download)
2) "Kindness goes contrary to our default setting and practically it means setting aside bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, malice." [28:40] (Download)
3) "Forgiveness is an expression of kindness; it is a necessary expression. To live to the Fruit of the Spirit you have to forgive." [30:24] (Download)
4) "Kindness is the fifth item in the list of the fruits of the spirit... characteristics which the spirit is wanting to work in our lives." [04:43] (Download)
5) "God acted on our behalf beyond anything we could ever have expected, beyond anything that we deserved." [13:07] (Download)
6) "The kindness of God to us that we extend to others is not easy; it's to the undeserving, it's contrary to our default setting, it often involves forgiveness." [37:04] (Download)
7) "God's heart is filled with kindness toward us. Oh praise God for the kindness He has expressed to us in Christ Jesus." [14:54] (Download)
8) "The Lord is good he's kind to all he has compassion on all he has made. Kindness involves being gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, rich in love." [10:28] (Download)
9) "We desperately need the power of the spirit to actually live out kindness, which is what the scripture tells us this is the fruit of the spirit." [17:18] (Download)
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