Embracing God's Loving Kindness in a Harsh World
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to explore the profound concept of kindness, particularly through the lens of the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. We began by lifting up various needs in prayer, asking for God's healing and presence in the lives of those who are suffering, such as baby Miles and Gavin, and giving thanks for new life and blessings like baby Costa. This set the tone for our discussion on kindness, emphasizing the importance of community and intercession.
As we delved into the topic, we acknowledged that kindness seems to be in short supply in our current culture. Whether it's the way politicians dehumanize each other, the harsh interactions on social media, or the lack of kindness in everyday interactions, it’s clear that our world is longing for a resurgence of genuine kindness. This cultural deficit has even led to the creation of awards to recognize acts of kindness, highlighting how rare and valuable such behavior has become.
We then contrasted cultural kindness with the biblical concept of loving kindness. Cultural kindness often exists in a space of complexity, ambiguity, and subjectivity, making it confusing and sometimes even harmful. For example, a well-intentioned act of helping an elderly person across the street can lead to unintended consequences, as seen in the story of a man who was questioned for abduction after assisting a dementia patient. Similarly, the ambiguous nature of cultural kindness can be seen in the slogan "Be kind, rewind," which trivializes the concept to merely rewinding a VHS tape.
In contrast, God's loving kindness is clear, objective, and rooted in the gospel message. It is a kindness that is not based on our works or performance but is an offer extended to us out of God's grace and mercy. This loving kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, as stated in Romans 2:4. God’s kindness is not an obligation but a choice, and it comes with the risk of rejection. This makes His offer even more loving and profound.
We explored how idols in our lives, such as success, relationships, and material possessions, are unkind because they are secretive and do not disclose the cost of following them. These idols demand everything from us but abandon us when we are no longer useful. In contrast, Jesus is upfront about the cost of following Him, which is an act of loving kindness. He offers us a life of meaning, abundance, and eternity, unlike the empty promises of cultural gods.
The sermon concluded with a call to recognize and turn away from these idols, to embrace the loving kindness of God, and to extend that same kindness to others. This spiritual transformation begins with being honest about who our God is and who we are serving. It is through the Spirit that we can offer the same loving kindness to others, rooted in the love and grace of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Loving Kindness is an Offer Extended to Us: Unlike cultural kindness, which often seeks a return or validation, God's loving kindness is an offer extended to us without any expectation of return. This kindness is rooted in His grace and mercy, and it is meant to lead us to repentance. This offer is not an obligation but a choice, making it even more profound and loving. [14:19]
2. The Risk of Rejection Makes God's Kindness Even More Loving: God's offer of kindness comes with the risk of rejection, which makes it even more loving. Just as in the home-buying process, where an offer can be rejected, God's offer of redemption and forgiveness might not be received by everyone. Yet, He extends it anyway, out of love and desire for us. This teaches us to offer kindness even when it might not be reciprocated. [20:29]
3. Idols are Unkind Because They Hide the Cost: Cultural idols like success, wealth, and relationships are unkind because they do not disclose the cost of following them. They demand everything from us but abandon us when we are no longer useful. In contrast, Jesus is upfront about the cost of following Him, which is an act of loving kindness. This honesty allows us to make an informed choice and find true life in Him. [37:40]
4. Cultural Kindness is Often Confusing and Subjective: Cultural kindness can be complex, ambiguous, and subjective, making it confusing and sometimes even harmful. Acts of kindness can be misinterpreted or lead to unintended consequences. In contrast, God's kindness is clear and objective, rooted in the gospel message and the perfect love of God. This provides a reliable foundation for understanding and practicing true kindness. [06:11]
5. Spiritual Transformation Begins with Recognizing Who We Serve: To extend God's loving kindness to others, we must first be honest about who our God is and who we are serving. Are we serving the God of success, relationships, or material possessions, or are we surrendering our lives to Jesus? It is through this recognition and turning away from idols that we can experience spiritual transformation and offer the same loving kindness to others. [46:28]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - Opening Prayer
[02:03] - Memorial Day and Introduction to Kindness
[02:34] - Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness
[03:22] - Cultural Deficit of Kindness
[04:12] - Examples of Cultural Unkindness
[06:11] - Cultural vs. Biblical Kindness
[12:25] - God's Construct for Kindness
[14:19] - God's Loving Kindness is an Offer
[20:29] - The Risk of Rejection
[28:21] - Cost of Offering Kindness
[29:04] - Jesus' Loving Kindness
[31:03] - Cultural Context of Paul's Time
[32:34] - Modern Cultural Idols
[36:17] - The Cost of Idols
[37:40] - Jesus' Honesty About the Cost
[39:19] - Cultural Gods vs. Jesus
[41:01] - Personal Reflection on Idols
[43:49] - Jesus' Loving Kindness and Honesty
[46:28] - Spiritual Transformation and Kindness
[47:49] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23
2. Romans 2:4
3. 1 John 4:16
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. According to Romans 2:4, what is the purpose of God's kindness?
3. How does 1 John 4:16 describe the nature of God and His relationship with love?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the complexity and ambiguity of cultural kindness? ([06:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God's loving kindness differ from cultural kindness as described in the sermon? ([12:25])
2. Why is it significant that God's kindness is an offer extended to us without expectation of return? ([14:19])
3. What does it mean that God's kindness comes with the risk of rejection, and how does this make His kindness more profound? ([20:29])
4. How do idols in our lives hide the cost of following them, and why is this considered unkind? ([37:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced cultural kindness that was confusing or had unintended consequences. How did it make you feel, and how did you respond? ([06:56])
2. God's kindness is meant to lead us to repentance. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to turn back to Him? How can you respond to this call? ([16:14])
3. Think about the idols in your life, such as success, relationships, or material possessions. How have they demanded everything from you without disclosing the cost? ([37:40])
4. Jesus is upfront about the cost of following Him. How does this honesty impact your willingness to follow Him, even when it is difficult? ([29:04])
5. How can you extend God's loving kindness to others in your daily interactions, especially when there is a risk of rejection or it might not be reciprocated? ([22:59])
6. Identify one specific way you can show loving kindness to someone in your community this week. What steps will you take to ensure your kindness is rooted in God's love and not for personal gain? ([24:05])
7. Reflect on your relationship with God. Are there ways in which you feel you need to "butter up" God to receive His kindness? How can you shift your perspective to understand that His kindness is a choice and not an obligation? ([26:53])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Loving Kindness is an Offer Extended to Us
God's loving kindness is a profound gift that is extended to us without any expectation of return. Unlike cultural kindness, which often seeks validation or reciprocation, God's kindness is rooted in His grace and mercy. This divine kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, as stated in Romans 2:4. It is an offer that is not obligatory but a choice made out of love, making it even more profound and loving. This kindness is a reflection of God's character and His desire for us to experience His love and grace.
In a world where kindness is often transactional, God's loving kindness stands out as a beacon of hope and transformation. It invites us to experience a relationship with Him that is not based on our works or performance but on His unmerited favor. This offer of kindness is a call to turn away from our sins and embrace the new life that God offers through Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that we are loved and valued by God, not because of what we do, but because of who He is. [14:19]
Romans 2:4 (ESV): "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"
Reflection: Think about a time when you experienced kindness without any expectation of return. How did it make you feel? How can you extend that same kind of kindness to someone in your life today?
Day 2: The Risk of Rejection Makes God's Kindness Even More Loving
God's offer of kindness comes with the risk of rejection, which makes it even more loving. Just as in the home-buying process, where an offer can be rejected, God's offer of redemption and forgiveness might not be received by everyone. Yet, He extends it anyway, out of love and desire for us. This teaches us to offer kindness even when it might not be reciprocated. God's willingness to risk rejection highlights the depth of His love and commitment to us.
This aspect of God's kindness challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to extend kindness to others, even when there is a possibility of rejection. It calls us to love unconditionally, just as God loves us. By understanding the risk that God takes in offering His kindness, we can appreciate the depth of His love and be inspired to show the same kind of love to those around us. [20:29]
Isaiah 65:2 (ESV): "I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who you find difficult to be kind to because of the risk of rejection? How can you take a step towards extending God's loving kindness to them today?
Day 3: Idols are Unkind Because They Hide the Cost
Cultural idols like success, wealth, and relationships are unkind because they do not disclose the cost of following them. They demand everything from us but abandon us when we are no longer useful. In contrast, Jesus is upfront about the cost of following Him, which is an act of loving kindness. This honesty allows us to make an informed choice and find true life in Him. Jesus' transparency about the cost of discipleship is a reflection of His loving kindness and desire for us to experience true fulfillment.
Idols promise satisfaction and fulfillment but ultimately leave us empty and disillusioned. They take from us without giving anything of lasting value in return. Jesus, on the other hand, offers us a life of meaning, abundance, and eternity. His honesty about the cost of following Him is a gift that allows us to make a genuine commitment to a life that is truly worth living. [37:40]
Luke 14:28-30 (ESV): "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'"
Reflection: What are some idols in your life that demand your time, energy, and resources? How can you begin to turn away from these idols and embrace the loving kindness of Jesus?
Day 4: Cultural Kindness is Often Confusing and Subjective
Cultural kindness can be complex, ambiguous, and subjective, making it confusing and sometimes even harmful. Acts of kindness can be misinterpreted or lead to unintended consequences. In contrast, God's kindness is clear and objective, rooted in the gospel message and the perfect love of God. This provides a reliable foundation for understanding and practicing true kindness. God's loving kindness is not subject to the whims of cultural trends but is a steadfast and unchanging expression of His character.
In a world where the definition of kindness can vary widely, God's kindness offers a clear and consistent standard. It is a kindness that is rooted in truth and love, providing a solid foundation for our actions and interactions with others. By aligning our understanding of kindness with God's example, we can navigate the complexities of cultural kindness and offer a love that is genuine and transformative. [06:11]
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: Reflect on a recent act of kindness you performed. Was it influenced by cultural expectations or rooted in God's love? How can you ensure that your acts of kindness are aligned with God's example?
Day 5: Spiritual Transformation Begins with Recognizing Who We Serve
To extend God's loving kindness to others, we must first be honest about who our God is and who we are serving. Are we serving the God of success, relationships, or material possessions, or are we surrendering our lives to Jesus? It is through this recognition and turning away from idols that we can experience spiritual transformation and offer the same loving kindness to others. This process of self-examination and surrender is essential for living a life that reflects God's love and grace.
Recognizing who we serve requires a deep and honest evaluation of our priorities and motivations. It calls us to identify the idols in our lives and make a conscious decision to turn away from them and towards Jesus. This act of surrender is the beginning of a spiritual transformation that enables us to extend God's loving kindness to others. By aligning our lives with God's will, we can become vessels of His love and grace in a world that desperately needs it. [46:28]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on who or what you are truly serving in your life. What steps can you take today to turn away from idols and fully surrender to Jesus? How can this surrender transform the way you extend kindness to others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Kindness, seems to be a little bit of a deficit these days. In our, the time that we live. And there may be like a little bit of a kindness shortage. Anybody maybe agree with that? We're maybe longing as a world for like an increase in cultural kindness. Like, if for some reason we had some sort of visitor from, you know, wherever. They came to visit our time and our state and every area. Like maybe Alf or E.T. or whatever those ones are. They would probably consider our culture. Maybe a little bit rough or hard or not really kind, right?" [03:22]
2. "We see things like the way kids interact in schools, right? With one another. Or even faculty at schools. Or parents, in fact, faculty, parents. And, you know, at like youth sports events. Or kids at youth sports events. Like we see kindness doesn't typically seem to be really at the forefront of our cultural interactions. In fact, we have such a deficit, right? This is where we're at with the deficit. That we've had to figure out ways to highlight when kindness actually happens. Like we reward kindness for like when we observe it." [04:12]
3. "Think about how you felt. If you've ever had a moment where someone was hiding something from you, this idea of secrecy and that feeling. And maybe you've never experienced that. Praise God for that. But if you've lived in this world, you probably will. But maybe finding out from someone other than your boss that you didn't get the promotion. Or that child or parent had been hiding an issue only for you to find out like later on. Right? That typically feels what? That feels unkind, doesn't it?" [43:49]
4. "Why love? Because that's who God is. Look what it says, 1 John 4, 16. So we have come to know and to believe that the love of God has for us. God is what? God is love. Whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. So logically, if God is love, well, then the type of kindness he offers, it must be what? The loving kind." [20:29]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God's loving kindness is an offer he extends to us. And here's the second one. God's loving kindness is up front and clear about a cost. So the first thing. God's loving kindness is an offer that's extended to us. And now, it's not based on our works, right? It's not based upon our performance. And it's not based upon our performance. And it's a distinguishing reality of, separates God's loving kindness from this idea of cultural kindness. Because cultural kindness, well, if we're honest, it tends to show kindness for like a desired return response or some sort of validation." [14:19]
2. "Jesus says it costs your soul. Jesus is upfront about the cost of following idols, which is your soul. But he's also upfront about the cost of following him. And in that, what he's doing is he's showing his loving kindness. And yes, I know many can read that verse. The verse in Luke where Jesus says we need to love him more than all things. And I get that people can see that and say like, you know, who does Jesus think he is? Right? To put him over everything else in our lives. Like, I get it." [37:40]
3. "It's kind that through the spirit offers to others the same type of loving kindness that God offers to each one of us. That's it. That's loving kindness. It's the type of kindness that God offers through the gospel message. Look what Romans 2-4 says. It says, as we talk about God's loving kindness out of his grace and mercy for us, it says, Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and repentance, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? His kindness." [16:14]
4. "Spiritual transformation, it starts first, though, with being honest about who our God is. Who is our God? Who are we really serving? Is it the God of success? God of relationship? Who are very secretive? Or is it Jesus? Are we surrendering our lives to Jesus? And I think it's when we begin from turning that idol, from those idols, we recognize, Paul says about this loving kindness in Romans, right? We see God's kindness that calls us to what? To repentance." [47:09]
5. "But here's what I appreciate about the God of the Bible. Jesus shows his loving kindness in that he is honest. He is upfront. That he is God. And because he is Lord, here's what it looks like to follow him. And what is that? I'd suggest Jesus offering that. That is an example of his loving kindness. It is. Here's what's unkind. It's the idols we serve. It's the cultural gods we chase after. They're secretive. You think the God of success, right, is so incredibly unkind." [44:28]
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