Embracing Kindness: Lessons from Jesus and Lincoln
Summary
### Summary
Today, we continued our series "Do Unto Others," focusing on the theme of kindness and drawing inspiration from both Jesus and Abraham Lincoln. We began by reflecting on the importance of gathering in worship and recognizing God's presence among us. We then transitioned to discussing the significance of kindness, using Lincoln's second inaugural address as a framework. Lincoln's call for "malice toward none and charity for all" during a time of deep national division serves as a powerful reminder of the need for unconditional love and altruism, or agape love, in our interactions with others.
We explored the biblical foundation for this kind of love, particularly through Jesus' teachings in Matthew 7:1-5, where He warns against judging others while ignoring our own faults. This passage underscores the importance of self-reflection and humility in our relationships. We also examined the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4, which illustrates the destructive power of resentment and the need to overcome our natural inclinations toward division and hatred.
In today's polarized world, it's easy to fall into the trap of assuming the worst about those we disagree with, especially in the realm of politics. However, true kindness requires us to listen fully and empathetically, even to those with whom we have significant disagreements. This kind of listening is not just a civic duty but a Christ-like act of love. We were reminded that Jesus Himself exemplified this by putting people ahead of political factions and by listening more than He spoke.
As we approach the Lord's Table, we are called to remember that this sacrament is not just a ritual but a call to be broken and poured out for others, just as Jesus was. This act of communion is a reminder of the unconditional love and grace that we are to extend to others, fostering unity and healing in our communities and beyond.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Presence: Gathering in worship is a powerful reminder of God's presence among us. Jesus said, "Wherever two or three are gathered in His name, there He is also" ([16:18]). This presence is not just a comfort but a call to live out His teachings in our daily lives, especially the command to love one another.
2. Self-Reflection and Humility: Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5 emphasizes the importance of self-reflection before judging others. We must first remove the "log" from our own eye before addressing the "speck" in our neighbor's eye ([27:10]). This humility is crucial for genuine relationships and community building.
3. Historical Lessons on Kindness: Abraham Lincoln's call for "malice toward none and charity for all" during the Civil War is a timeless lesson in unconditional love and altruism ([30:13]). This kind of love, known as agape, seeks the full blessing and flourishing of others, regardless of circumstances.
4. Listening as an Act of Love: True kindness requires us to listen fully and empathetically, even to those we disagree with. You cannot love someone without listening to them ([55:09]). This kind of listening is a Christ-like act that fosters understanding and unity.
5. The Sacrament of Communion: The act of communion is a call to be broken and poured out for others, just as Jesus was ([01:08:44]). This sacrament reminds us of the unconditional love and grace we are to extend to others, fostering unity and healing in our communities.
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:18] - Recognizing God's Presence
[17:29] - Announcements and Community Events
[18:47] - Covenant Sunday Details
[19:54] - Beginning in Silence and Prayer
[22:22] - God's Inexhaustible Mercy
[23:55] - Leading with Kindness
[27:10] - Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:1-5
[28:00] - Campaign of Kindness Overview
[29:08] - Malice Toward None, Charity for All
[30:13] - Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
[31:26] - The Impact of the Civil War
[32:24] - Agape Love and Charity
[33:29] - Binding Up the Nation's Wounds
[34:31] - Modern Divisions and Survey Insights
[36:15] - The Cain Syndrome
[37:00] - The Story of Cain and Abel
[39:09] - The Reality of Human Conflict
[40:57] - Assumptions and Resentment
[42:06] - Scriptural References to Conflict
[43:21] - The Teachings of Micah and Jesus
[44:23] - The Importance of Forgiveness
[45:23] - Conflict in the Early Church
[46:17] - Paul's Letters on Division
[47:01] - The True Meaning of Love
[49:02] - Rejoicing in Truth
[49:42] - Listening and Loving
[50:34] - Public Theology and Listening
[52:22] - Practical Listening Exercise
[55:09] - The Commitment to Love
[56:05] - Christ-like Kindness
[57:06] - Making Fair Judgments
[58:18] - The Possibility of Being Wrong
[58:38] - One Small Step Project
[01:01:59] - Finding Common Ground
[01:02:19] - Jesus' Example of Listening
[01:03:15] - Character and Choices
[01:05:14] - The Legacy of Kindness
[01:06:19] - The Eucharist: A Good Gift
[01:07:27] - Breaking and Sharing Love
[01:08:44] - Being Broken and Poured Out
[01:09:33] - Prayer of Forgiveness
[01:10:53] - Achieving Christian Perfection
[01:11:33] - Laying Your Life Before God
[01:12:10] - Receiving the Gifts of Bread and Juice
[01:13:13] - The Table is Set
[01:21:03] - Benediction and Sending Forth
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:1-5: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus warn against in Matthew 7:1-5, and what analogy does He use to illustrate His point?
2. According to the sermon, how did Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address reflect the principles of kindness and charity? ([30:13])
3. What historical context did the pastor provide about the story of Cain and Abel, and how does it relate to human conflict? ([37:00])
4. How does the act of communion serve as a reminder of Jesus' unconditional love and grace, according to the sermon? ([01:08:44])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is self-reflection and humility important before judging others, as taught in Matthew 7:1-5? How does this relate to building genuine relationships? ([27:10])
2. How does Lincoln's call for "malice toward none and charity for all" during the Civil War serve as a timeless lesson in agape love? ([30:13])
3. In what ways does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate the destructive power of resentment and the need to overcome natural inclinations toward division and hatred? ([37:00])
4. How does the sacrament of communion call us to be "broken and poured out" for others, and what does this mean for fostering unity and healing in our communities? ([01:08:44])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you judged someone without first examining your own faults. How can you practice more self-reflection and humility in your daily interactions? ([27:10])
2. How can you apply Lincoln's principle of "malice toward none and charity for all" in your current relationships, especially with those you disagree with? ([30:13])
3. Think of a person or group you have significant disagreements with. What steps can you take to listen fully and empathetically to them this week? ([55:09])
4. How can you incorporate the practice of being "broken and poured out" for others in your daily life, as a reflection of Jesus' love and sacrifice? ([01:08:44])
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you tend to make assumptions about others. How can you challenge these assumptions and foster a more charitable attitude? ([40:57])
6. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions and words align with the principles of kindness and humility taught by Jesus? ([56:05])
7. How can you use the act of communion as a reminder to extend grace and love to others in your community, especially those who are different from you? ([01:08:44])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Presence
Description: Gathering in worship is more than just a routine; it is a profound reminder of God's presence among us. Jesus said, "Wherever two or three are gathered in His name, there He is also" ([16:18]). This presence is not just a comfort but a call to live out His teachings in our daily lives, especially the command to love one another. When we come together in worship, we are reminded of the community of believers we belong to and the collective mission we share.
In a world that often feels fragmented and isolated, the act of gathering in worship serves as a powerful counter-narrative. It reminds us that we are not alone and that God's presence is a constant in our lives. This communal experience strengthens our faith and encourages us to embody the love and kindness that Jesus taught. By recognizing God's presence among us, we are inspired to carry that awareness into our daily interactions, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion.
Matthew 18:20 (ESV): "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Reflection: How can you be more aware of God's presence in your daily life, especially when interacting with others?
Day 2: Self-Reflection and Humility
Description: Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5 emphasizes the importance of self-reflection before judging others. We must first remove the "log" from our own eye before addressing the "speck" in our neighbor's eye ([27:10]). This humility is crucial for genuine relationships and community building. By focusing on our own faults and shortcomings, we cultivate a spirit of humility that allows us to approach others with grace and understanding.
Self-reflection is a vital practice for personal growth and spiritual maturity. It requires us to take an honest look at ourselves and acknowledge our imperfections. This process not only helps us become better individuals but also enhances our ability to connect with others on a deeper level. When we approach others with humility, we create an environment where genuine relationships can flourish, free from judgment and filled with compassion.
Matthew 7:3-5 (ESV): "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice more self-reflection and humility? How can you start today?
Day 3: Historical Lessons on Kindness
Description: Abraham Lincoln's call for "malice toward none and charity for all" during the Civil War is a timeless lesson in unconditional love and altruism ([30:13]). This kind of love, known as agape, seeks the full blessing and flourishing of others, regardless of circumstances. Lincoln's words remind us that even in times of deep division and conflict, we are called to extend kindness and compassion to all.
The concept of agape love is central to the Christian faith. It is a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the well-being of others without expecting anything in return. This kind of love is transformative and has the power to heal divisions and bring about reconciliation. By embodying agape love in our interactions, we can contribute to a more compassionate and just world, reflecting the love of Christ in all that we do.
1 John 4:7-8 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you show them agape love this week?
Day 4: Listening as an Act of Love
Description: True kindness requires us to listen fully and empathetically, even to those we disagree with. You cannot love someone without listening to them ([55:09]). This kind of listening is a Christ-like act that fosters understanding and unity. In today's polarized world, it is easy to fall into the trap of assuming the worst about those we disagree with, especially in the realm of politics. However, true kindness requires us to listen fully and empathetically, even to those with whom we have significant disagreements.
Listening is a powerful act of love that can bridge divides and foster deeper connections. When we listen to others with empathy and an open heart, we validate their experiences and show that we value them as individuals. This practice not only enhances our relationships but also helps us grow in our understanding and compassion. By following Jesus' example of listening more than speaking, we can create a more inclusive and loving community.
James 1:19 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."
Reflection: Who in your life do you need to listen to more attentively? How can you make a conscious effort to listen to them this week?
Day 5: The Sacrament of Communion
Description: The act of communion is a call to be broken and poured out for others, just as Jesus was ([01:08:44]). This sacrament reminds us of the unconditional love and grace we are to extend to others, fostering unity and healing in our communities. As we approach the Lord's Table, we are called to remember that this sacrament is not just a ritual but a call to be broken and poured out for others, just as Jesus was.
Communion is a profound reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the love He extends to all. It is a call to embody that same love and grace in our interactions with others. By participating in this sacrament, we are reminded of our commitment to live out the teachings of Christ, fostering unity and healing in our communities. This act of communion is a powerful symbol of the unconditional love and grace that we are to extend to others.
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV): "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: How can you embody the spirit of communion in your daily life, being broken and poured out for others?
Quotes
1. "Every time we gather, Jesus said wherever two or three are gathered in his name, there he is also. And I don't know about you, but sitting there singing about the goodness of God, just couldn't have felt that any, felt God's presence with us here in this room anymore. And that's very true. We gather today because of God's goodness. And so that's what we celebrate every time we get together." [16:18] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You have lavished upon us blessing upon blessing. You have done everything for us. You have given us life. You have offered us freedom. You have given us grace and mercy for all the times that we have fallen short. We, you simply keep on giving us good stuff. just, just like the, the writer of lamentation says, your mercies are new every morning. They're made new. And we are so thankful that your love and your mercy is inexhaustible." [22:22] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We pray that you're present with us, that you open our hearts and open our eyes and open our ears to receive what it is you want us to take away today. So that when we leave today, we, we leave different people. Because we would have had an encounter with the almighty God. And, and, and even if it's not through a word that's on our heart, mind, or soul this morning, that even as we take a moment today to go to and proceed to your table, Lord, we pray that it's in that sacrament that we would receive a special measure of your grace today so that we may get more of you in our lives and in our living so that we might experience wholeness and healing and forgiveness and that we might flourish in a way that you always imagined us to." [23:55] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You cannot love someone without listening to them. I'm going to say that again. You cannot love someone without listening to them. Think I'm wrong? Go home and try it. Okay? Very basic. Because what happens is when we don't listen fully to someone, it means that we're already generating something in our mind that assumes the worst about them. And I am not sure that that is savvy with what Jesus has commanded us and teaches us to do." [55:09] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The whole thing about Jesus was that he was teaching us how to be kind. And what kindness isn't just holding the door open for somebody. Kindness is exercising forbearance. Giving up your own personal preference so you can show value to the other. What a concept. And unfortunately, in recent years, we no longer call that anything Christ-like. That's just being civil. But the reality is is that is actually being Christ-like." [56:05] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The commitment to love includes a commitment to listening. Fully listening. There are people who are truly bad people, but most people that I disagree with I find want to do the right things. That's what happens when we assume the best. Assume the best and not assuming the worst. We disagree. We can disagree on how something needs to be done. But usually, we're all working toward the same end. We just have different opinions about how we think it should be done." [57:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we lead with kindness, we can listen with humility. We can listen with open ears and an open mind and a closed mouth. And we often find that we were a bit wrong about the other person. And sometimes, even find a new friend. There's an old senator from Tennessee. He always said one of his axioms that he passed on to people. He says, I always proceeded in any conversation or dialogue with the assumption that there is a possibility that the other person might be right." [58:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The Father has good plans for you. The Father has good plans for His church. And that includes you leading with kindness and humility, doing unto others as you would have them do unto you in the most Christ-like way. So go, may the grace and peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ go with you. May you remain in the love of God and may the fellowship of the Holy Spirit surround you and keep you today and every day here forward. In the name of Jesus, amen." [01:21:03] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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