Embodying Kindness and Goodness Through the Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound themes of kindness and goodness, as part of our ongoing series, "Fruition," which delves into the Fruit of the Spirit. We began by celebrating our high school and college graduates, acknowledging their hard work and the bright futures ahead of them. We also highlighted the incredible efforts of Corey, Lauren, and William in leading our young adults and students, encouraging everyone to participate in our Sunday and Thursday night gatherings.
We then transitioned into the core of our message, focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5. We discussed how embodying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control can transform our lives and relationships. The key to living out these virtues is not through sheer willpower but by connecting deeply with the Spirit of Christ. A simple yet powerful poem encapsulates this idea: "The pull of sin is strong, but to live in Christ is stronger. So open yourself to His Spirit, and you will bear His fruit."
Our focus today was on kindness and goodness. We examined the story of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37, which perfectly illustrates these virtues. The story begins with a Jewish man being attacked by bandits and left for dead. A priest and a Levite, who should have been the first to help, passed by without offering assistance. However, a despised Samaritan stopped, showed compassion, and took care of the injured man, demonstrating true kindness and goodness.
We discussed the barriers that often prevent us from showing kindness, such as self-righteousness, busyness, and the fear of getting involved in messy situations. We also shared a modern-day example of Keisha Thomas, an 18-year-old African-American girl who protected a man wearing a KKK shirt from being beaten, despite his hateful beliefs. Her actions exemplified love in the face of hatred, showing that true kindness transcends all boundaries.
We emphasized that the world will know we are followers of Jesus not by our perfect theology or church attendance, but by our love for one another. This love is manifested through acts of kindness and goodness, which can change lives and build goodwill. We encouraged everyone to ask the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to the needs around them and to take steps to show kindness, whether through words of encouragement, financial help, or simply being present for someone in need.
In conclusion, we celebrated the generosity of our church community, highlighting how our collective efforts have made a significant impact. We shared stories of unexpected acts of kindness, such as a fishing tournament winner donating his prize money to our church's greater things offering. These acts of generosity reflect the heart of our message: when we take care of others, God takes care of us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of the Spirit in Bearing Fruit: The key to embodying the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—is not through sheer willpower but by connecting deeply with the Spirit of Christ. Surrendering to His Spirit allows us to bear His fruit naturally. [42:33]
2. Kindness as Love in Action: Kindness is love in action, which produces goodness. It involves going out of our way to treat people with dignity and respect. When we show kindness, it can positively change someone's day or even their life. This is beautifully illustrated in the story of the Good Samaritan, who showed compassion and care for a stranger in need. [45:58]
3. Overcoming Barriers to Kindness: Self-righteousness, busyness, and fear of messy situations often prevent us from showing kindness. Recognizing these barriers and asking the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the needs around us can help us overcome them. True kindness involves stepping out of our comfort zones to help others, just as the Good Samaritan did. [54:03]
4. Love in the Face of Hatred: The story of Keisha Thomas, who protected a man wearing a KKK shirt from being beaten, exemplifies love in the face of hatred. Her actions show that true kindness transcends all boundaries and reflects the love of Jesus. This kind of love is what will make the world recognize us as followers of Christ. [01:15:09]
5. Generosity and Reciprocity: Acts of kindness and generosity build goodwill and create a cycle of reciprocity. When we take care of others, God takes care of us. Our church's collective efforts, such as the greater things offering, demonstrate how generosity can make a significant impact in the lives of others. [01:12:36]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [41:19] - Celebrating Graduates and Leaders
3. [42:33] - The Fruit of the Spirit
4. [43:30] - Kindness and Goodness
5. [45:58] - Definition of Kindness
6. [48:14] - The Good Samaritan Story
7. [54:03] - Barriers to Kindness
8. [56:45] - The Despised Samaritan
9. [01:00:35] - Encouraging the Discouraged
10. [01:03:53] - Giving When Someone Needs Help
11. [01:12:36] - Generosity of the Church
12. [01:15:09] - Love in the Face of Hatred
13. [01:18:36] - Challenge for the Week
Study Guide
### 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. Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan
3. John 13:34-35 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the nine attributes listed as the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, who were the first two people to pass by the injured man, and what did they do? ([51:06])
3. How did the Samaritan show kindness and goodness to the injured man in Luke 10:33-35? ([57:53])
4. According to John 13:34-35, how will people know that we are disciples of Jesus?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the priest and the Levite chose not to help the injured man in the Parable of the Good Samaritan? ([51:06])
2. How does the story of Keisha Thomas protecting a man wearing a KKK shirt illustrate the concept of "love in the face of hatred"? ([01:15:09])
3. What barriers to showing kindness were discussed in the sermon, and how can recognizing these barriers help us overcome them? ([54:03])
4. How does the concept of "love in action" as described in the sermon relate to the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23? ([45:58])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were the recipient of an act of kindness. How did it impact you, and how can you pay it forward this week? ([47:08])
2. Identify a specific barrier (self-righteousness, busyness, or fear of messy situations) that often prevents you from showing kindness. What steps can you take to overcome this barrier? ([54:03])
3. Think of someone in your life who is currently going through a tough time. What specific action can you take this week to encourage them? ([59:51])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of generosity and reciprocity. How can you practice generosity in your community this week, and what impact do you hope it will have? ([01:08:31])
5. How can you show love and kindness to someone who is different from you or holds opposing views? Reflect on the story of Keisha Thomas and consider a practical step you can take. ([01:15:09])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of asking the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the needs around us. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine? ([01:18:36])
7. Choose one aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to focus on this month. What specific action will you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? ([42:33])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of the Spirit in Bearing Fruit
Connecting deeply with the Spirit of Christ is essential for embodying the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This transformation is not achieved through sheer willpower but by surrendering to His Spirit. When we open ourselves to the Spirit, we naturally begin to bear His fruit, which can profoundly impact our lives and relationships. The pull of sin is strong, but living in Christ is stronger. By allowing His Spirit to work within us, we can overcome the challenges and temptations that come our way. [42:33]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to the Spirit today to bear more fruit? How can you invite the Spirit to work in that area?
Day 2: Kindness as Love in Action
Kindness is more than just a feeling; it is love in action that produces goodness. It involves going out of our way to treat people with dignity and respect. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates this beautifully, showing how true kindness can positively change someone's day or even their life. The Samaritan's compassion and care for a stranger in need exemplify how we should act towards others. When we show kindness, we reflect the love of Christ and make a tangible difference in the world around us. [45:58]
Luke 6:35 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a specific person you can show kindness to today. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate love in action towards them?
Day 3: Overcoming Barriers to Kindness
Self-righteousness, busyness, and fear of getting involved in messy situations often prevent us from showing kindness. Recognizing these barriers is the first step to overcoming them. By asking the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the needs around us, we can become more aware of opportunities to show kindness. True kindness involves stepping out of our comfort zones to help others, just as the Good Samaritan did. It requires us to be intentional and willing to engage with those who need our help, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. [54:03]
James 2:15-16 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"
Reflection: Identify a barrier that often prevents you from showing kindness. How can you overcome this barrier with the help of the Holy Spirit today?
Day 4: Love in the Face of Hatred
The story of Keisha Thomas, who protected a man wearing a KKK shirt from being beaten, exemplifies love in the face of hatred. Her actions show that true kindness transcends all boundaries and reflects the love of Jesus. This kind of love is what will make the world recognize us as followers of Christ. It challenges us to love those who may not deserve it and to act with compassion even when it is difficult. By doing so, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love in our lives and in the lives of others. [01:15:09]
Romans 12:20-21 (ESV): "To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you or holds beliefs contrary to yours. How can you show them love and kindness today, reflecting the love of Jesus?
Day 5: Generosity and Reciprocity
Acts of kindness and generosity build goodwill and create a cycle of reciprocity. When we take care of others, God takes care of us. Our church's collective efforts, such as the greater things offering, demonstrate how generosity can make a significant impact in the lives of others. Stories of unexpected acts of kindness, like a fishing tournament winner donating his prize money, reflect the heart of our message. When we give selflessly, we not only bless others but also experience God's provision and care in our own lives. [01:12:36]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Consider a way you can be generous today, whether through your time, resources, or encouragement. How can you create a positive impact in someone's life through your generosity?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Imagine yourself walking through life with love, joy, and peace, right? With your families and friends, right? Imagine yourself, you know, walking through life with patience, kindness. Goodness, you know, with the people in the workforce, people that you work with. Imagine your life walking with faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Man, it's an amazing thought to have these fruits in our lives." [42:33]
2. "Kindness is love in action, which produces goodness. Kindness, it means going out of your way, you know, to treat people with dignity and with respect. And when you're the recipient of unkindness, right, it disturbs. It's not fun to be around that. But when you're the recipient of kindness, it can just change in a positive way. It can change the whole trajectory of your day, even your life. Kindness and goodness, it's a powerful, powerful fruit." [47:08]
3. "We see someone struggling with life. We see someone that's, you know, going through. We see someone that's going through the pain of life. And we sometimes, like, when we see that, we say, man, they brought it themselves. They made their bed. They get to sleep in their bed. It's their problem, not mine. And so why should I help? We have this self-righteous attitude." [54:39]
4. "A generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. In God's economy, when we give, we always get back more than we gave. He said that whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. He said when you take care of others, God says, I'm going to take care of you. I'm going to take care of you." [01:08:31]
5. "Love those that are different from you. Love those that are different. Love them. We're called to love. This is exactly what God has called us to do." [01:12:36]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The key to resisting the lower impulses, right? The flesh. The key to denying no things and living out this beautiful kind of life that Christ has for us. Here's the key. It's learning not how to try harder. You know, it's learning how to connect with the spirit of Christ, with the power of Christ in our lives." [42:33]
2. "We ought to give when someone needs help. To give. And you see the Good Samaritan, right? He was generous of his time. He was generous of his money. I mean, he got his donkey. And he has his transportation. And he inconvenienced the Samaritan. He inconvenienced himself for the convenience of someone else. He takes care of the man. He banished him with his own olive oil and wine. He gives him what he needs. He places him on his donkey. He walks him to town. He takes him to a hotel. He pays for it. And then he stays the night with him. Wakes up the next day and he tells the innkeeper, Hey, here's my credit card. Right? He can stay as long as he needs. He's got a running tab." [01:04:42]
3. "How is the world going to know? Well, let me tell you what the Bible says. In fact, let me tell you what the Bible doesn't say. It doesn't say that the world will know that we're followers of Jesus by our perfect theology. It doesn't say that, right? It doesn't say that the world will know that we're followers of Jesus by our church attendance. It doesn't say that the world will know that we're followers of Jesus. It says if we've been baptized, which is important, right? If we give money. I mean, all these things are good. But that's not what the Word of God says. Notice what God says in John chapter 13. A new command I give you. Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another by this. Everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. Love one another. Your love for one another. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you're a disciple of Jesus." [01:17:21]
4. "We discussed the barriers that often prevent us from showing kindness, such as self-righteousness, busyness, and the fear of getting involved in messy situations. We also shared a modern-day example of Keisha Thomas, an 18-year-old African-American girl who protected a man wearing a KKK shirt from being beaten, despite his hateful beliefs. Her actions exemplified love in the face of hatred, showing that true kindness transcends all boundaries." [01:15:09]
5. "When you take care of others, I'm going to take care of you. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. I think about the generosity of this church. Man, listen. Can I just brag on you for a minute? You guys are awesome in the way that you give." [01:09:22]
6. "And so going over to him, the Samaritan man, and he soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. He put them on him. He put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn where he took care of him. The next day, he handed the innkeeper two silver coins. He tells him, take care of this man." [57:53]
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