Embracing Kindness: A Call to Reflect God's Love
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share some updates and reflections with you. Over the past year and a half, we've been in a transition period, preparing for my eventual retirement. We hired Steve Abbott, who has now found his true calling as a military chaplain. This has led us to form a new search committee, headed by Chuck Howard, to find the next senior pastor for our church. This process will involve thorough vetting and community involvement to ensure we find the right fit.
As we move forward, I want to emphasize the importance of kindness in our lives. Our culture has become increasingly hostile, and simple acts of courtesy and kindness are disappearing. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, urges us to be kind to one another. This isn't just a nice sentiment; it's a crucial aspect of our Christian witness. Unkindness can ruin relationships, while kindness can transform lives and communities.
Jesus exemplified kindness in all His interactions, even with those who were considered sinners. He never condemned outright sinners but chastised the Pharisees for their lack of compassion. We, too, must strive to be kind, not just to those who are easy to love but especially to those who are difficult. This kind of kindness is not passive; it is active and requires us to go beyond our natural inclinations.
I shared a story about a cab driver who showed extraordinary kindness to an elderly woman on her way to hospice. This simple act of kindness had a profound impact on both their lives. Similarly, our acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on those around us.
In conclusion, let's strive to be kind in all our interactions. This is not just about being nice; it's about reflecting God's love and kindness to a world that desperately needs it. Let's make kindness a priority in our lives, and in doing so, we will be living out our faith in a powerful and transformative way.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Kindness: In a world that is increasingly hostile, simple acts of kindness can make a significant difference. Paul urges us to be kind to one another, and this is not just a nice sentiment but a crucial aspect of our Christian witness. Unkindness can ruin relationships, while kindness can transform lives and communities. [37:42]
2. Jesus' Example of Kindness: Jesus exemplified kindness in all His interactions, even with those who were considered sinners. He never condemned outright sinners but chastised the Pharisees for their lack of compassion. We must strive to be kind, not just to those who are easy to love but especially to those who are difficult. [43:04]
3. Active Kindness: Kindness is not passive; it is active and requires us to go beyond our natural inclinations. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount challenge us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and love our enemies. This kind of kindness is a supernatural manifestation of God's love in our lives. [48:46]
4. The Power of Simple Acts: Simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact. The story of the cab driver who showed kindness to an elderly woman on her way to hospice illustrates how small gestures can make a significant difference. Our acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact on those around us. [56:05]
5. Reflecting God's Love: Our kindness should reflect God's love and kindness to a world that desperately needs it. This is not just about being nice; it's about living out our faith in a powerful and transformative way. Let's make kindness a priority in our lives, and in doing so, we will be living out our faith in a powerful and transformative way. [52:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:57] - Introduction of Steve Abbott
[07:15] - Steve's Calling as a Military Chaplain
[08:20] - Formation of the Search Committee
[09:21] - Search Process Explained
[12:49] - Prayer and Thanksgiving
[13:43] - Entering into Worship
[14:42] - Prayers for the Congregation
[16:15] - Prayers for the Nation and Leaders
[17:35] - Prayers for Spiritual Authorities
[24:51] - Opening Prayer
[25:44] - Children's Dismissal
[35:38] - Sermon Introduction
[36:34] - The Importance of Kindness
[37:42] - Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
[38:40] - The Decline of Common Courtesy
[39:41] - The Power of Kindness
[43:04] - Jesus' Example of Kindness
[48:46] - Active Kindness
[56:05] - Story of the Cab Driver
[59:48] - Final Reflections on Kindness
[01:00:16] - Personal Anecdote
[01:01:13] - Closing Prayer
[01:02:04] - Worship and Response
[01:07:41] - Nicene Creed
[01:12:47] - Holy Communion
[01:27:15] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:17-5:2 - "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul urge the believers in Ephesus to do in Ephesians 4:32? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on kindness? [37:42]
2. According to the sermon, how did Jesus exemplify kindness in His interactions with others, especially those considered sinners? [43:04]
3. What story did the pastor share about a cab driver, and how did it illustrate the power of simple acts of kindness? [56:05]
4. How does the pastor describe the current state of our culture in terms of kindness and courtesy? [38:40]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul place such a strong emphasis on kindness in his letter to the Ephesians? How does this align with the pastor’s message about the importance of kindness in our Christian witness? [37:42]
2. How does the pastor’s story about the cab driver reflect the kind of active kindness that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount? [56:05]
3. In what ways does the pastor suggest that unkindness can ruin relationships and communities? How does this compare to the transformative power of kindness? [39:41]
4. How does the pastor interpret the role of kindness in reflecting God's love to the world? What does he mean by saying that kindness is not just about being nice but about living out our faith? [52:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when someone showed you kindness. How did it impact you, and how can you pay that kindness forward in your daily life? [53:53]
2. The pastor mentioned that our culture has become increasingly hostile and discourteous. What are some practical ways you can counteract this trend in your interactions with others? [38:40]
3. Think of someone in your life who is difficult to love. What specific actions can you take to show them kindness this week, following Jesus' example? [43:04]
4. The pastor shared a story about a cab driver who showed extraordinary kindness to an elderly woman. Can you think of a small act of kindness you can perform this week that might have a significant impact on someone’s life? [56:05]
5. How can you make kindness a priority in your life, especially in situations where it is challenging to be kind? What steps can you take to ensure that your actions reflect God's love and kindness? [52:54]
6. The pastor emphasized that kindness should be active and go beyond our natural inclinations. What are some ways you can practice active kindness in your community or workplace? [48:46]
7. How can you incorporate the teachings from Ephesians 4:32 into your daily routine to ensure that you are being kind and compassionate to those around you? [37:42]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Kindness
Description: In a world that is increasingly hostile, simple acts of kindness can make a significant difference. Paul urges us to be kind to one another, and this is not just a nice sentiment but a crucial aspect of our Christian witness. Unkindness can ruin relationships, while kindness can transform lives and communities. The importance of kindness cannot be overstated; it is a powerful tool that can mend broken relationships and build stronger communities. When we choose to be kind, we reflect the love of Christ and create an environment where others can experience God's grace through us. [37:42]
Ephesians 4:32 (ESV): "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you could have responded with kindness but didn't. How can you make amends and show kindness in a similar situation today?
Day 2: Jesus' Radical Kindness
Description: Jesus exemplified kindness in all His interactions, even with those who were considered sinners. He never condemned outright sinners but chastised the Pharisees for their lack of compassion. We must strive to be kind, not just to those who are easy to love but especially to those who are difficult. This kind of kindness is not passive; it is active and requires us to go beyond our natural inclinations. Jesus' example challenges us to extend kindness to everyone, regardless of their status or actions, reflecting God's unconditional love. [43:04]
Luke 6:35-36 (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. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who is difficult to love. What is one specific act of kindness you can show them this week?
Day 3: Active Kindness as a Manifestation of God's Love
Description: Kindness is not passive; it is active and requires us to go beyond our natural inclinations. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount challenge us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and love our enemies. This kind of kindness is a supernatural manifestation of God's love in our lives. It calls us to take deliberate actions that reflect God's love, even when it is inconvenient or challenging. By actively practicing kindness, we become vessels of God's grace and love in a world that desperately needs it. [48:46]
Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV): "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can go beyond your natural inclinations to show active kindness to someone today?
Day 4: The Profound Impact of Simple Acts
Description: Simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact. The story of the cab driver who showed kindness to an elderly woman on her way to hospice illustrates how small gestures can make a significant difference. Our acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact on those around us. These simple acts are often the most powerful because they are unexpected and come from a place of genuine love and compassion. By being attentive to the needs of others and responding with kindness, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives. [56:05]
Proverbs 11:25 (ESV): "Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."
Reflection: Think of a small act of kindness you can do for someone today. How can you make it a habit to look for opportunities to show kindness in your daily life?
Day 5: Reflecting God's Love Through Kindness
Description: Our kindness should reflect God's love and kindness to a world that desperately needs it. This is not just about being nice; it's about living out our faith in a powerful and transformative way. Let's make kindness a priority in our lives, and in doing so, we will be living out our faith in a powerful and transformative way. When we prioritize kindness, we become living testimonies of God's love, drawing others to Him through our actions. This reflection of God's love is essential in a world that is often filled with negativity and hostility. [52:54]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: How can you make kindness a priority in your daily interactions? What specific steps can you take to ensure that your actions reflect God's love to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I think prior to the pandemic, our lives were characterized not so much by living badly, but by living sloppily. Undisciplined living comes. It comes from not knowing or not caring about what things are the most important. There are so many things that demand our attention in life. Many of us wear a lot of hats. We have a lot of roles that we try to fill, and we have a lot of expectations on us. There are so many things that demand our attention. But what we need to know are what are the things that are most important." [36:34] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Being kind may seem like a weak answer to all the problems that we're facing today, and there are a lot of them, I don't deny it. There are a lot of important things we could and should be doing, that's for sure. As Christians, there are many worthy things we could be called to. We really need to keep our doctrine straight. There's no doubt about it. Paul told Timothy that if he would pay attention to doctrine and keep it straight, he would be a good minister. We really need to gather for worship. Paul talked about that. He urged us not to neglect the gathering, to gather of ourselves for the purpose of worship. We certainly need to pray without ceasing. We need to give joyfully." [46:24] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The only way to truly be kind is for there to be a supernatural manifestation of God in our lives. It's made possible only when we seek first the kingdom of God and the unearned love that God gives us, which is grace. In 1 John 3, 11, For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we ought to love one another. We know that we have passed from death to life, if we love one another. Anyone who does not love remains in death. And this is how we know what love is. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brother and sister." [51:21] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Being supernaturally kind is all about the small things. I joined the Marines while I was running from God and his call upon my life. And after I repented, and returned to my faith, I was still in the Marine Corps. I was about 10 years into my career. God began to teach me the power of simple kindness. I began to make it a point to talk to the Marines and sailors who were under my command. If I saw someone who looked despondent, I would go and sit down with them. And I would just ask about their wives, their kids, their dog, whatever. Just patting a Marine on the back almost always put a smile on their face. Simply being present changed the atmosphere in my command, in my office. And I noticed that it wasn't just me doing it. It became contagious. That's what you'll notice about kindness. People are compelled to pay it forward." [54:35] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I challenge you to make a point of being kind. And you'll notice that it will brighten up your surroundings. It'll change your home. It'll change the temperature at work. It will change your world completely. And if you are kind, especially to those who are rude, unattractive, and unlovable, well, that's the icing on the cake. That's what God actually calls us to do." [55:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The worst witness is a Christian, a believer, who is simply unkind. It's a constant source of sadness. It's a constant source of sadness to me to see people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ who are mean, who are simply not kind to other people. They believe all the right things. Doctrinally, they say the right words. They espouse the right values. They even work for the right causes. They do so many things that are right, but they do them in the wrong way." [41:27] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus stood for all the right things, but it was clear that when the rubber hit the road, he loved people. He loved people. He especially loved bad people. And it was clear that his goal was not condemnation, was not judgment, was not embarrassing. It was redemption. It was to restore, to build up, to edify. Even when he was saying hard things, he was still tenderhearted, and his basic kindness showed through in every single thing that he did." [43:47] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyles. That is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable. is Christianity on the down slope right now? Why are churches slowly but surely emptying? Why are Christians held in such low self-esteem? I think it's this quote, and I'll read it again. The single greatest cause for atheism, for unbelief in the world today, is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyles. That is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable." [44:37] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we receive God's love through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, we inherit the very life of Jesus Christ. Remember Paul said, I die. That's the first thing that happens when we become a believer. We die. I die, and yet I live. But it's not even I that live. It is Christ that lives in me. When we receive that kind of salvation, it is the life of Christ himself that is manifested in our daily walk. The Psalmist says it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. Kindness. He'll do it every time." [52:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Godly kindness is not passive. It is not weak. It is not restraint. It is active, powerful, volitional. And the kindness of God manifested through the lives of his redeemed is the most powerful, transformative, and redemptive thing on the planet. is an act of rebellion against the fallenness of creation. Simply being kind. Being kind stands in stark contrast to our fallen world. This fallen world is immersed in selfishness and personal agendas. A single believer who lives out the supernatural kindness of God and love of God stands out like light in darkness. I challenge you to think it through. And you could name people who were kind to you and that kindness made an enormous difference in your life." [52:54] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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