Embodying God's Kindness: A Call to Action

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Kindness Is Not Random—It Is His Character

God’s kindness is not a fleeting or random act, but the very essence of who He is. When God created humanity, He called us good and made us in His image, which means we are called to reflect His kindness in our daily lives. Unlike the sporadic acts of kindness that catch our attention in the world, God’s kindness is steadfast, intentional, and transformative. As we grow in Christ, we are invited to let His character shape ours, so that kindness becomes a way of life, not just a momentary gesture. [36:00]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV)
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally reflect God’s steadfast kindness to someone in your life today, rather than waiting for a random opportunity?

Day 2: Love God with Everything—And Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

To love God is not a mere sentiment or passing phrase, but a wholehearted devotion that encompasses all your heart, soul, and mind. This love overflows into loving your neighbor as yourself, a command that is only possible when you allow God’s Spirit to bear the fruit of kindness in you. True biblical kindness is “love with skin on”—it is active, sacrificial, and rooted in the example of Christ, who gave Himself for us on the cross. [39:00]

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection: Who is one neighbor—near or far—whom you can show active, sacrificial love to this week, and what specific action will you take?

Day 3: God’s Compassion Is New Every Morning

God’s loving kindness and compassion never run out; they are renewed every single day, no matter what has happened before. Even when the world feels overwhelming or kindness seems scarce, you can rest in the assurance that God’s faithfulness and mercy are constant. Each morning is a fresh invitation to receive His compassion and to extend it to others, knowing that His love sustains you through every circumstance. [40:10]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Reflection: How can you start your day tomorrow by receiving God’s new mercies, and how might that change the way you treat others throughout the day?

Day 4: Clothe Yourself with Kindness—A New Way of Living

Kindness is not just a thought or a feeling, but a conscious choice to put on the new self that God gives through Christ. This means letting go of old habits and attitudes, and instead clothing yourself with compassion, humility, and kindness as a daily practice. When you allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and heart, you become equipped to live out God’s character in true righteousness and holiness, making kindness a defining mark of your life. [43:30]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Reflection: What is one old habit or attitude you need to “put off” today so you can intentionally “put on” kindness in your interactions?

Day 5: Act Locally, Think Collectively—You Can Make a Difference

While the world’s needs can feel overwhelming, God calls you to start with compassion, act locally, and join with others to make a real difference. Jesus responded to the needs right in front of Him, and you are invited to do the same in your community—whether that’s supporting a local food larder, reaching out to someone in need, or simply inviting someone to church. When you work together with others, even small acts of kindness can ripple out and transform lives, showing the world the love of Christ in action. [51:01]

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Reflection: What is one practical way you can act locally this week—either on your own or with others—to meet a need in your community?

Sermon Summary

Kindness is often seen as a rare, random act in today’s world, but it is meant to be the very character of those made in God’s image. Each of us is called to reflect God’s loving kindness—not as a fleeting gesture, but as a way of life. The world may celebrate “random acts of kindness,” but God’s kindness is never random; it is intentional, steadfast, and transformative. When we remember the kindness shown to us—whether through a simple gesture or the extravagant love of Christ on the cross—we are reminded that we are called to embody that same loving kindness in our daily lives.

Biblical kindness, or hesed, is not just a sentiment or a nice thought. It is love in action, a commitment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. This is not something we can do in our own strength; it is the fruit of the Spirit, cultivated as we are transformed in Christ. Our character, shaped by God’s Spirit, is what we take with us into eternity. The call is not to perform good deeds for recognition or reciprocity, but to live out kindness as a reflection of God’s heart.

Yet, living out kindness is not always easy. Society’s boundaries, past hurts, and a general poverty of kindness in the world can make us hesitant. We may be tempted to keep a “receipt” of kindness, only giving when we expect something in return. But God’s kindness is not transactional; it is generous, sacrificial, and often goes unnoticed by the world. We are called to clothe ourselves in compassion and kindness, to act locally where we see need, and to think collectively about the impact we can have together as a community.

Compassion is the starting point—feeling with others as God feels with us. But it must move us to action, especially in our own communities where needs are often hidden. Jesus responded to the needs right in front of him, and so must we. And as we work together, even small acts—like inviting someone to church or supporting a local food larder—can have a ripple effect far beyond what we imagine. Ultimately, kindness is not about what we get back, but about who we are becoming in Christ, and how we reflect his love to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Kindness is not random, but rooted in God’s character. We are made in the image of a God whose kindness is steadfast and intentional, not sporadic or sentimental. To bear the fruit of kindness is to allow God’s Spirit to shape our character so that kindness becomes our natural response, not just an occasional act. This is the calling and privilege of every follower of Christ. [33:20]
2. Biblical kindness—hesed—is love in action, not just a feeling or a thought. God calls us to love with our whole being, and to let that love overflow into tangible acts of care for others. The greatest example of this is Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which was not deserved or earned, but freely given out of God’s loving kindness. Our kindness should reflect this same self-giving love. [40:10]
3. The obstacles to kindness—societal boundaries, past disappointments, and a poverty of kindness—are real, but not insurmountable. We may hesitate to act because of fear, cynicism, or the sense that our efforts are too small to matter. Yet, God equips us to “put on” kindness, to step beyond our comfort zones, and to trust that even small acts, done in his name, have eternal significance. [42:24]
4. Compassion is the beginning, but it must lead to local action. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the needs of the world, but God calls us to respond to the needs right in front of us—in our families, our church, and our community. When we act locally, we become the hands and feet of Christ, meeting real needs and making God’s love visible in practical ways. [48:48]
5. Kindness is most powerful when it is collective and sustained. While individual acts matter, the greatest impact comes when we work together as a community, each doing our part. Inviting someone to church, supporting local ministries, or simply sharing our faith can have a ripple effect that changes lives. In God’s economy, nothing done in love is ever wasted. [51:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:37] - Opening Announcements and Entroit
[05:26] - Youth Involvement and Community Updates
[08:35] - Call to Worship and Opening Hymn
[18:57] - Reflecting on the “Good Old Days”
[22:02] - The Power and Rarity of Kindness
[33:20] - God’s Kindness vs. Random Acts
[38:31] - What is Biblical Kindness?
[40:10] - The Cross: Kindness Personified
[42:24] - Barriers to Kindness in Today’s World
[45:59] - The Poverty of Kindness and Our Response
[48:48] - Compassion, Local Action, and Community Needs
[51:01] - Collective Kindness and the Power of Invitation
[55:00] - Living Kindness as a Way of Life
[57:01] - A Child’s Heart and the Call to Love
[62:54] - Prayers, Closing Hymn, and Blessing
[67:43] - Final Reflections and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV) — > And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) — > The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Colossians 3:12 (ESV) — > Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 22:37-39, what does Jesus say is the greatest commandment, and what is the second that is like it?
In Lamentations 3:22-23, what is said about God’s love and faithfulness? How often are his mercies renewed?
The sermon described kindness as “not random, but rooted in God’s character.” What examples were given of how God’s kindness is different from random acts of kindness? [[33:20]]
In Colossians 3:12, what are believers told to “put on” as God’s chosen people?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon said that kindness is “love in action” and not just a feeling or thought. Why is it important that kindness moves beyond sentiment to action? [[38:31]]
The pastor mentioned that “God’s kindness is not transactional; it is generous, sacrificial, and often goes unnoticed by the world.” What does it mean for kindness to be non-transactional, and why is this significant for Christians? [[55:00]]
The sermon talked about obstacles to kindness, like societal boundaries and past disappointments. How do these obstacles affect our willingness to show kindness, and what does the Bible say about overcoming them? [[42:24]]
Compassion was described as the starting point, but the sermon emphasized that it must lead to local action. Why is it important to act locally, and how does this reflect Jesus’ example? [[48:48]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to reflect on the last time someone was kind to us and why it stood out. Can you share a recent experience where someone’s kindness impacted you? What made it memorable? [[22:02]]
The pastor said, “We may be tempted to keep a ‘receipt’ of kindness, only giving when we expect something in return.” Are there situations where you have found yourself keeping track of kindness? How can you let go of this mindset? [[55:00]]
The sermon described “clothing ourselves in compassion and kindness.” What is one practical way you can “put on” kindness this week in your family, workplace, or community? [[42:24]]
The message highlighted the importance of acting locally, especially when needs are hidden in our own community. Is there a local need or person you are aware of that you could respond to with kindness this week? What might that look like? [[48:48]]
The pastor encouraged us to think collectively and not underestimate the power of inviting someone to church or supporting a local ministry. Who is one person you could invite or encourage this month, and what is stopping you from doing so? [[51:01]]
The sermon said, “Kindness is not about what we get back, but about who we are becoming in Christ.” How does this perspective challenge or encourage you in your daily life? [[55:00]]
The story of the child who said, “My heart loves people,” was used to illustrate the natural kindness God puts in us. What would it look like for you to approach others with a “child’s heart” this week? [[57:01]]

Sermon Clips

``But here's the thing. When God made you, he called you good. He said it was good that you were made here on earth. And we worship a God who is good, and a God who is kindness. And if God made you in his image, then you are kindness. You are God's kindness. And God's kindness is not random. It is not random. It is his character. [00:36:54] (27 seconds) #youAreGodsKindness

We can only do that if we bear this fruit. We cannot do it on our own. Kindness, I've heard, and I love this, is like love but with skin on, and I absolutely love that. And we, what's the best kindness we've ever received? It's the cross, the fact that Jesus died on the cross for you and I, even though we did nothing to deserve it. That's God's kindness personified, that he sent his son to walk on the earth for you and for I. [00:40:01] (36 seconds) #godsKindnessIsFaithful

There's nothing random about God's kindness for you. In fact, we're told in Lamentations 3, 22 to 23, Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. [00:40:37] (22 seconds) #kindnessIsChallenging

This is how we have the character of God, is because we put on, literally clothe ourselves to say, I'm actually going to step into his ways. Not your own, not what you think is kindness, but actually what God is calling to, and we can do that when we're equipped by the Holy Spirit. This is this new nature that we're clothed in. And in fact, in Colossians it says, clothe ourselves in compassion and kindness. This is to literally put on. [00:45:15] (32 seconds) #faithBeyondGoodDeeds

When Jesus says, come follow me then, it's not simply to do random acts of kindness, good deeds. That's what separates you from those that have no faith that says, well, Jade, I'm not a Christian, but you know, I do good. Fantastic, but you're not doing God's work. You can have good deeds, you can do good things, but in God's name, you're fulfilling his plan. And when Jesus says, come follow me, it's a lot more than random acts of kindness. [00:51:57] (30 seconds)

But God says, yeah, that one matters. That's you. You are that sheep. You are that sheep. When you're going off God's path, he's concerned. He has compassion for you and he's waiting for you to return. No good deeds, no random act of kindness, a way of life. [00:55:00] (21 seconds)

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