Embodying Kindness and Charity in Divisive Times

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound challenge of embodying kindness and charity in a world often divided by political and social differences. Reflecting on the famous words of Abraham Lincoln, "with malice toward none and charity for all," we delved into the importance of approaching others with a spirit of understanding and compassion, even amidst disagreement. The current political climate, marked by divisive rhetoric and harmful words, calls us to examine how we can be true followers of Christ by choosing words and actions that heal rather than harm.

The story of my childhood experience, where I misinterpreted a hurtful comment, serves as a reminder of the power words hold over us. Words can wound deeply, and the scars they leave can last for years. In our society today, words are often used to divide, whether through racism, ageism, or elitism. We must be vigilant in choosing words that reflect the love and peace Jesus calls us to embody. The increase in threats and harmful rhetoric, as seen in the rise of threats against members of Congress, underscores the urgent need for a return to words that build up rather than tear down.

Charity, as Lincoln emphasized, is not just a feeling but an action. It requires us to look beyond our own comfort and desires and to actively engage in acts of service and love towards others. Our church's initiatives, such as creating inclusive spaces and committing to mission projects, exemplify this outward focus. By setting aside resources for those in need and preparing to respond to disasters, we are living out the call to charity for all.

Bishop Dan Schwerin's words remind us that racism and divisive rhetoric are incompatible with Christian teaching. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand against such injustices and to work towards a world where all are welcomed and loved. The body of Christ, with its diverse leadership, is uniquely positioned to lead in transforming the world through love and unity.

Let us be inspired by Lincoln's vision and strive to be partners with Jesus in transforming our communities. With malice toward none and charity for all, we can become the kingdom of God here and now.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Words: Words have the ability to deeply wound or heal. In a world filled with divisive rhetoric, we must choose words that reflect the love and peace of Christ, building up rather than tearing down. [05:44]

2. Charity as Action: True charity goes beyond feelings; it requires action. By focusing outward and engaging in acts of service, we embody the love of Christ and work towards a just and inclusive world. [11:36]

3. Racism and Christian Teaching: Racism and divisive rhetoric are incompatible with the teachings of Jesus. As Christians, we must stand against such injustices and work towards unity and love for all. [15:57]

4. Community and Inclusion: Creating inclusive spaces and committing resources to mission projects are ways we can live out the call to charity for all, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued. [13:03]

5. Transforming the World: Inspired by Lincoln's vision, we are called to be partners with Jesus in transforming our communities through love, unity, and the power of the Holy Spirit. [17:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:27] - The Challenge of Kindness
- [04:00] - A Childhood Memory
- [05:44] - The Power of Words
- [07:30] - Divisive Rhetoric
- [08:36] - Words and Actions
- [10:18] - Words That Harm
- [11:36] - Charity as Action
- [13:03] - Church Initiatives
- [14:39] - Bishop Schwerin's Message
- [15:57] - Racism and Christian Teaching
- [17:31] - Transforming the World

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
2. James 1:19-20 - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
3. 1 John 3:18 - "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does the phrase "with malice toward none and charity for all" mean in the context of the sermon? [01:27]
2. How did the pastor's childhood experience illustrate the power of words? [05:44]
3. What are some examples of divisive rhetoric mentioned in the sermon? [07:30]
4. How is the church actively engaging in acts of charity according to the sermon? [13:03]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon suggest that words can both harm and heal? What examples were given to illustrate this? [05:44]
2. In what ways does the sermon connect the concept of charity with action, and how does this relate to Christian teachings? [11:36]
3. How does the sermon address the issue of racism and its incompatibility with Christian teachings? [15:57]
4. What role does the church play in creating inclusive spaces, and how does this reflect the teachings of Jesus? [13:03]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when words deeply affected you, either positively or negatively. How can you be more mindful of the words you use in your daily interactions? [05:44]
2. Consider the current political climate. How can you embody kindness and charity in conversations with those who hold different views? [01:27]
3. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate charity in your community, following the example set by your church? [11:36]
4. How can you contribute to creating an inclusive environment in your church or community, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued? [13:03]
5. Identify a situation where you might have used divisive language. How can you change your approach to promote unity and understanding? [07:30]
6. Think about a person or group you find difficult to love. What steps can you take to show them charity and compassion, as Jesus teaches? [15:57]
7. How can you partner with others in your community to transform it through love and unity, inspired by Lincoln's vision? [17:31]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: The Healing Power of Words
Words have the power to either wound or heal, and in a world filled with divisive rhetoric, it is crucial to choose words that reflect the love and peace of Christ. Words can deeply affect individuals, leaving lasting scars or fostering healing and unity. In today's society, where harmful rhetoric is prevalent, it is essential to be vigilant in our speech, ensuring that our words build up rather than tear down. By choosing words that promote understanding and compassion, we can contribute to a more harmonious and loving community. [05:44]

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where your words may have caused harm. How can you seek reconciliation and choose words that promote healing today?

Day 2: Charity in Action
True charity extends beyond mere feelings; it requires tangible actions that demonstrate love and service to others. By focusing outward and engaging in acts of service, we embody the love of Christ and work towards a just and inclusive world. This involves looking beyond our own comfort and desires to actively engage in initiatives that support those in need. Through acts of charity, we can create inclusive spaces and commit resources to mission projects, living out the call to charity for all. [11:36]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one specific act of service you can perform this week to help someone in need. How can you make this a regular practice in your life?

Day 3: Standing Against Injustice
Racism and divisive rhetoric are incompatible with the teachings of Jesus, and as Christians, we are called to stand against such injustices. The body of Christ, with its diverse leadership, is uniquely positioned to lead in transforming the world through love and unity. By actively opposing racism and working towards a world where all are welcomed and loved, we fulfill our calling as followers of Christ. This involves not only recognizing injustices but also taking steps to address and rectify them. [15:57]

"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (Isaiah 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you witnessed or experienced injustice. How can you take a stand against it and promote unity and love in your community?

Day 4: Creating Inclusive Communities
Creating inclusive spaces and committing resources to mission projects are ways we can live out the call to charity for all. By ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued, we embody the love of Christ and work towards a more inclusive and just world. This involves setting aside resources for those in need and preparing to respond to disasters, demonstrating a commitment to serving others. Through these actions, we can create communities that reflect the kingdom of God. [13:03]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: Consider how you can contribute to creating a more inclusive environment in your church or community. What specific steps can you take to ensure everyone feels welcomed and valued?

Day 5: Transforming the World Through Love
Inspired by Lincoln's vision, we are called to be partners with Jesus in transforming our communities through love, unity, and the power of the Holy Spirit. By embodying the principles of "with malice toward none and charity for all," we can work towards becoming the kingdom of God here and now. This involves actively engaging in efforts to promote love and unity, recognizing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and communities. [17:31]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you partner with others in your community to promote love and unity? What role can you play in transforming your community through the power of the Holy Spirit?

Quotes

1) "And it is hard to be the church when we are in disagreement. So often the church has ended up splitting over these very types of issues. So today I'd like to start with a quote that's pretty famous here in the United States. It comes from President Abraham Lincoln at his second inaugural address. So it's 1864, we are still fighting the Civil War. And he says this phrase, with malice towards none and charity for all. And this has been a phrase that's become important in our shared life as a nation, with malice toward none and charity for all." [01:27] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "There's an old phrase that many of us use as kids, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. I think we all know that is not true. I think we said that to try to be strong to people who were using words to try and hurt us. And we're like, yeah, no, words don't matter. But words... do matter. And I think right now during this election season, we are seeing the power of words and we are seeing that words cause harm. There is racism going on right now that some people who look different from other people, they're not the same and we shouldn't treat them the same and maybe some of them don't even belong." [05:44] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "What power do words have? Words can change us. Words can change others. This week, I heard that the Capitol Police, who are in charge of protecting the members of Congress and keeping everyone safe who is doing business and visiting Capitol Hill, they registered around 900 threats to members of Congress in 2016, eight years ago. As of 2021, which is the last year that we have records for so far, they registered over 9,700 threats against members of Congress. The words that people are feeling more open to using these days, words that are harmful, are starting to cross lines where people are starting to use more words in more places and use words that are starting to move towards action. And this is where words can truly be harmful." [10:18] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Our reading today reminds us to conduct ourselves with humility and with patience, to be slow to anger, to listen quickly. Which leads us to part two, of Lincoln's great quote, malice toward none and charity to all. Now charity is an action word. Charity means putting our words and our beliefs into action, helping people who are in need, putting aside bitterness, putting energy into action that serves and loves our neighbor. Charity for all, as President Lincoln says, turns our focus outward. We are no longer looking at ourselves. What do I want? What makes me comfortable?" [11:36] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "We may have different opinions on many policy issues, but there are some things we need to stand strong together on. Racism is incompatible with Christian teaching. Racism and the words that we use to separate ourselves into whatever silos, whatever bubbles that we decide to separate ourselves on, it sets one group against another. And it is time to stop bullying and using divisive words and actions. Bishop Swerin ends by saying, I believe the body of Christ is the hope of the world. With multiracial leadership, the United Methodist Church is particularly ready to lead evangelically for our time. We are blessed to be in mission with Christ for the transformation of the world in these days." [15:57] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "With malice toward none, let us stop using words that harm and separate. And with charity for all, let us turn outward and share our resources with our neighbors to build up our neighbors and build up our communities. Let us be partners with Jesus as we transform the world to the power of the Holy Spirit and become the kingdom of God today, right here, right now." [17:31] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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