Embracing Kindness: Small Acts, Big Impact
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of kindness in our lives and how small, intentional acts can create significant change. We began by giving thanks to God for His blessings and offering ourselves in service to His mission. We then focused on the pressing issue of domestic violence and homelessness, particularly for women, and how our community can be a sanctuary for those in need.
We explored the concept of kindness, emphasizing that it is not always easy but is essential for our world, community, church, and families. Drawing from the book "Deep Kindness" by Houston Craft, we discussed the idea of making a 1% shift in our daily lives to prioritize kindness. This small change can have a profound impact, much like a slight course correction can alter a plane's destination by miles.
We also considered practical ways to incorporate kindness into our daily routines, such as letting someone go ahead in traffic or being curious and open-minded when interacting with people who are different from us. We were reminded that kindness is a habit that needs to be cultivated and celebrated, both in our personal lives and within our communities.
To conclude, we read a children's book, "Kindness Makes Us Strong" by Sophie Beer, to illustrate that kindness is accessible to everyone, including children. The book highlighted simple acts of kindness like saying hello, being patient, and offering comfort. We were encouraged to embody these acts in our daily lives, representing God's kingdom through our actions.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Small Changes: A 1% shift in our daily actions towards kindness can have a monumental impact. Just as a slight change in a plane's course can lead to a vastly different destination, small acts of kindness can transform our lives and communities. This principle encourages us to start small but be consistent in our efforts to be kind. [54:49]
2. Kindness as a Habit: Kindness should be cultivated as a daily habit, much like brushing our teeth or practicing a skill. When we make kindness a regular part of our lives, it becomes second nature and influences those around us. This habitual kindness can create a ripple effect, spreading positivity and compassion. [55:58]
3. Celebrating Kindness: By celebrating acts of kindness, we encourage more of the same behavior. Whether it's through kindness charts in our families or initiatives in our workplaces, recognizing and rewarding kindness can foster a culture of compassion and generosity. [57:10]
4. Kindness in Diversity: Being kind to those who are different from us, whether in beliefs, backgrounds, or lifestyles, can lead to meaningful connections and understanding. By approaching others with curiosity and openness, we can bridge divides and build a more inclusive community. [59:59]
5. Biblical Foundation of Kindness: The teachings of Micah remind us that God values fairness, compassion, and humility. These principles should guide our actions and interactions, encouraging us to prioritize kindness in all aspects of our lives. This biblical foundation reinforces the importance of kindness as a core aspect of our faith. [58:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:06] - Introduction to the Issue of Domestic Violence and Homelessness
[52:18] - The Importance of Kindness
[53:36] - The 1% Shift in Kindness
[55:58] - Cultivating Kindness as a Habit
[57:10] - Celebrating Acts of Kindness
[58:41] - Biblical Foundation of Kindness
[59:59] - Practical Ways to Show Kindness
[01:01:05] - Reading "Kindness Makes Us Strong"
[01:08:23] - Closing Remarks and Affirmation of Belief
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Micah 6:6-8 (The Message)
> "How can I stand before God and show proper respect to the High God? Should I bring an armload of offerings and topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams and buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would He be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn, my precious baby, to cancel my sin? But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what's fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously—take God seriously."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Micah 6:6-8 suggest about the kind of offerings that please God?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of making a 1% shift in our daily actions towards kindness? [54:49]
3. How does the sermon describe the impact of celebrating acts of kindness within our families and workplaces? [55:58]
4. What are some practical ways mentioned in the sermon to incorporate kindness into our daily routines? [59:59]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Micah 6:6-8 challenge traditional views of religious offerings and sacrifices? What does this passage suggest is more important to God?
2. The sermon mentions that kindness should be cultivated as a daily habit. How might this idea change the way we approach our daily interactions? [55:58]
3. In what ways can celebrating acts of kindness create a ripple effect in our communities and workplaces? [57:10]
4. How can being kind to those who are different from us lead to meaningful connections and understanding? [59:59]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. What is one small, intentional act of kindness you can incorporate into your day starting tomorrow? [54:49]
2. Think about a recent situation where you had the choice between being kind and being unkind. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in the future? [57:10]
3. Identify a person in your life who is different from you in beliefs, background, or lifestyle. What is one way you can show kindness to them this week? [59:59]
4. How can you create a habit of kindness in your family? Consider starting a kindness chart or another form of recognition. [55:58]
5. Reflect on the teachings of Micah 6:6-8. How can you apply the principles of fairness, compassion, and humility in your interactions this week?
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of being curious and open-minded when interacting with others. How can you practice this in your next conversation with someone who holds different views from you? [59:59]
7. What is one way you can celebrate acts of kindness in your workplace or community to encourage more of the same behavior? [57:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Small Changes
Small, intentional acts of kindness can create significant change in our lives and communities. By making a 1% shift in our daily actions towards kindness, we can have a monumental impact. Just as a slight change in a plane's course can lead to a vastly different destination, small acts of kindness can transform our lives and communities. This principle encourages us to start small but be consistent in our efforts to be kind. Imagine the ripple effect of each small act of kindness, leading to a more compassionate and loving world. [54:49]
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one small act of kindness you can commit to doing today? How can you make this a consistent part of your daily routine?
Day 2: Kindness as a Habit
Kindness should be cultivated as a daily habit, much like brushing our teeth or practicing a skill. When we make kindness a regular part of our lives, it becomes second nature and influences those around us. This habitual kindness can create a ripple effect, spreading positivity and compassion. By intentionally practicing kindness every day, we can develop a habit that not only transforms our own lives but also impacts those around us in meaningful ways. [55:58]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: Think about your daily routines. How can you incorporate a specific act of kindness into one of these routines to make it a habit?
Day 3: Celebrating Kindness
By celebrating acts of kindness, we encourage more of the same behavior. Whether it's through kindness charts in our families or initiatives in our workplaces, recognizing and rewarding kindness can foster a culture of compassion and generosity. Celebrating kindness not only acknowledges the good in others but also inspires more acts of kindness, creating a positive cycle that benefits everyone. [57:10]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection: How can you celebrate and recognize acts of kindness in your family, workplace, or community? What specific steps can you take to encourage a culture of kindness?
Day 4: Kindness in Diversity
Being kind to those who are different from us, whether in beliefs, backgrounds, or lifestyles, can lead to meaningful connections and understanding. By approaching others with curiosity and openness, we can bridge divides and build a more inclusive community. Kindness in diversity means seeing the value in every person and extending compassion and respect, regardless of differences. This approach can help us create a more harmonious and united community. [59:59]
"Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is different from you in some way. How can you show kindness and build a connection with them today?
Day 5: Biblical Foundation of Kindness
The teachings of Micah remind us that God values fairness, compassion, and humility. These principles should guide our actions and interactions, encouraging us to prioritize kindness in all aspects of our lives. This biblical foundation reinforces the importance of kindness as a core aspect of our faith. By embodying these values, we represent God's kingdom through our actions and create a more just and loving world. [58:41]
"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?" (Micah 6:8, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you incorporate fairness, compassion, and humility into your actions today to better represent God's kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "We can get overwhelmed when we see how tough the world is. What does kindness require of us? We're not trying to change everything or everybody when it comes to kindness. We're simply trying to change just 1% of our lives. 1% of our daily life. That 1% makes a difference. It builds kindness as a habit. And that kindness as a habit impacts more and more people every day." [54:49] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our world needs kindness. Our community needs kindness. Our church needs kindness. Our families need kindness. If you have a choice between gossip and kindness, let's choose kindness. If you have a choice between saying something mean towards someone and being kind, let's choose kindness. If you have a choice between paying someone back for what they did to us and being kind, yes, I know it's hard, let's choose kindness." [57:10] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we are kind enough to say, when we are kind enough to listen to others, we will be amazed at the connections we make. So let's join together in celebrating the kindness we experience every day, and let's seek to shift our own behaviors toward kindness. It's really something we all can do, right?" [01:00:45] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Kindness is saying hello. We can do that. Kindness is being patient. Now it's getting hard. Kindness is cheering. It's trading treats. Kindness is giving a boost. Kindness is taking turns. Kindness is sharing. Kindness is offering comfort. Kindness is visiting. Kindness is reaching out. And it concludes. Kindness what makes us strong. So, let's be strong together. Let's represent God's kingdom in the world. One small act of kindness at a time." [01:02:14] (102 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "When we celebrate actions, we are encouraging more of those same actions, which makes me wonder, what actions would we be encouraging if we celebrated kindness more often? How much more kindness would pour into the world if we celebrated the kindness that we see every day?" [52:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Before the summer, I ordered about ten different books on kindness. I wanted to try to get as many different ideas about kindness I could bring. And each one of them approached kindness in a little bit different way. But of all the different books, the one that had the most impact on me is the one I've mentioned the most. It's a book called, Deep Kindness, A Revolutionary Guide for the Way We Think, Talk, and Act of Kindness, by an author named Houston Craft." [53:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I've said several times over the last month, kindness is not easy. If kindness was easy, everyone would already be acting with kindness all the time. Kindness is messy like grace. Kindness is hard like forgiveness. Kindness can be taken advantage of like love. It's not normal, this kindness, but it's needed." [56:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In our order of worship today on pages 7 and 8, I've comprised 50 different kindness ideas to begin to prime the pump of your kindness actions. To help us to begin having new ideas of the 1% shifts we can make in our lives. This list includes simple things that we can do to be kind." [59:59] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What happens when we begin to look for people to be kind to? When you evaluate the situations that we encounter and we weigh all the options and we choose to be kind, how do we celebrate that in our own lives?" [58:41] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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