Kindness: A Covenant Commitment Reflecting God's Love

 

Summary

In our journey through the series on the fruit of the Spirit, we have been exploring the profound ways in which these virtues manifest in our lives. Today, we delve into the concept of kindness, a fruit that is deeply rooted in the character of God and exemplified through His covenant with us. The fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, is not a mere list of desirable traits but a holistic transformation that the Holy Spirit cultivates within us. Our role is to abide in Christ and walk in step with the Spirit, allowing these virtues to grow naturally.

Kindness, as we see in Scripture, is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast commitment rooted in covenantal love. We explored two biblical narratives to illustrate this: the story of Ruth and Boaz, and the story of David and Mephibosheth. Boaz's kindness to Ruth was not just an act of goodwill but an obedience to God's covenantal commands, reflecting the steadfast love of God. Similarly, David's kindness to Mephibosheth was a fulfillment of a covenant he made with Jonathan, demonstrating that true kindness is a response to God's unwavering love.

The ultimate expression of God's kindness is found in Jesus Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners. This act of sacrificial love invites us into a new covenant with God, transforming us from enemies to beloved children who can dine at the King’s table. As recipients of such profound kindness, we are called to reflect this in our interactions with others, recognizing that every person we encounter is made in the image of God.

Kindness, therefore, is not about being nice or having a pleasant disposition. It is about living in obedience to God’s commands and responding to His kindness with Spirit-led conduct. It challenges us to see beyond the ordinary, to recognize the divine image in every person, and to act with the same steadfast love that God has shown us.

Key Takeaways:

- The fruit of the Spirit, including kindness, is cultivated by the Holy Spirit within us. Our responsibility is to abide in Christ and walk in step with the Spirit, allowing these virtues to grow naturally as evidence of a transformed life. [06:43]

- Kindness is not a mere feeling but a steadfast commitment rooted in covenantal love. It is exemplified in the stories of Boaz and David, who acted out of obedience to God's covenantal commands, reflecting His unwavering love. [17:28]

- The ultimate expression of God's kindness is Jesus Christ's sacrificial death for us while we were still sinners. This act invites us into a new covenant with God, transforming us from enemies to beloved children. [24:13]

- As recipients of God's profound kindness, we are called to reflect this in our interactions with others, recognizing that every person is made in the image of God and deserving of steadfast love. [28:21]

- Kindness is not about being nice or having a pleasant disposition. It is about living in obedience to God’s commands and responding to His kindness with Spirit-led conduct, seeing beyond the ordinary to recognize the divine image in every person. [30:55]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Introduction to the CS Lewis Institute
[04:30] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[06:43] - Understanding Spiritual Growth
[09:15] - The Story of Ruth and Boaz
[12:30] - Covenant and Kindness
[17:28] - David and Mephibosheth
[21:15] - The Kindness of Elizabeth Fry
[24:13] - The Ultimate Kindness: Jesus
[28:21] - Responding to God’s Kindness
[30:55] - Reflecting God’s Image
[33:00] - Call to Reflection and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness

Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
2. Ruth 2:19-20 - "And her mother-in-law said to her, 'Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.' So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, 'The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.' And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, 'May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!'"
3. 2 Samuel 9:1-3 - "And David said, 'Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?' Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, 'Are you Ziba?' And he said, 'I am your servant.' And the king said, 'Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?'"

Observation Questions:
1. What does Galatians 5:22-23 say about the nature of the fruit of the Spirit? How is kindness described in this context? [06:43]
2. In the story of Ruth, how does Boaz demonstrate kindness to Ruth, and what motivates his actions according to Ruth 2:19-20? [09:15]
3. How does David's kindness to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:1-3 reflect his covenant with Jonathan? What does this tell us about the nature of kindness? [17:28]
4. How is the ultimate expression of God's kindness demonstrated through Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Romans 5:6-8? [24:13]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of kindness as a fruit of the Spirit differ from the common understanding of being "nice"? What implications does this have for how Christians should live? [30:55]
2. In what ways do the stories of Boaz and David illustrate the idea of covenantal love and kindness? How does this understanding challenge or affirm your view of kindness? [17:28]
3. How does the sacrificial act of Jesus on the cross redefine our understanding of kindness? What does this mean for how we should treat others? [24:13]
4. How does recognizing every person as made in the image of God influence our interactions and expressions of kindness towards them? [28:21]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent interaction where you had the opportunity to show kindness. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of this sermon? [30:55]
2. Identify a person in your life who might be considered an "outcast" or on the periphery. How can you extend kindness to them in a way that reflects God's covenantal love? [17:28]
3. Consider the idea that kindness is a response to God's kindness towards us. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's kindness in your daily life? [24:13]
4. Think about a situation where you might have chosen who "deserves" your kindness. How can you shift your perspective to see everyone as deserving of steadfast love? [28:21]
5. What specific steps can you take to ensure that your kindness is Spirit-led and not just a natural disposition? How can you remain obedient to God's commands in this area? [30:55]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of kindness into your daily routine, especially towards those who may not expect it from you? [28:21]
7. Reflect on the quote from C.S. Lewis mentioned in the sermon: "There are no ordinary people." How does this perspective change the way you view and interact with others? [30:55]

Devotional

Day 1: Abiding in Christ for Spiritual Growth
The fruit of the Spirit, including kindness, is cultivated by the Holy Spirit within us. Our responsibility is to abide in Christ and walk in step with the Spirit, allowing these virtues to grow naturally as evidence of a transformed life. This transformation is not something we can achieve through our own efforts; it is the work of the Holy Spirit as we remain connected to Christ. By abiding in Him, we allow the Spirit to nurture and develop these virtues within us, leading to a life that reflects God's character. [06:43]

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to ensure you are abiding in Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate His fruit in your life?


Day 2: Kindness as a Covenant Commitment
Kindness is not a mere feeling but a steadfast commitment rooted in covenantal love. It is exemplified in the stories of Boaz and David, who acted out of obedience to God's covenantal commands, reflecting His unwavering love. This kind of kindness goes beyond mere acts of goodwill; it is a reflection of God's covenantal faithfulness and love. By understanding kindness as a commitment, we are called to act with intentionality and purpose, mirroring the steadfast love that God has shown us. [17:28]

"And Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul." (1 Samuel 18:3, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a relationship in your life where you can demonstrate covenantal kindness. What specific action can you take today to reflect God's steadfast love in that relationship?


Day 3: Jesus as the Ultimate Expression of Kindness
The ultimate expression of God's kindness is Jesus Christ's sacrificial death for us while we were still sinners. This act invites us into a new covenant with God, transforming us from enemies to beloved children. Jesus' sacrifice is the pinnacle of kindness, demonstrating God's profound love and grace. As we reflect on this ultimate act of kindness, we are reminded of the depth of God's love for us and the transformative power of His grace. [24:13]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' sacrificial kindness change the way you view your relationship with God? What is one way you can respond to this kindness today?


Day 4: Reflecting God's Kindness in Our Interactions
As recipients of God's profound kindness, we are called to reflect this in our interactions with others, recognizing that every person is made in the image of God and deserving of steadfast love. This perspective challenges us to see beyond the surface and to treat others with the same love and kindness that God has shown us. By acknowledging the divine image in each person, we are encouraged to act with compassion and grace in all our relationships. [28:21]

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone you encounter regularly who may be difficult to love. How can you intentionally reflect God's kindness to them today, recognizing their inherent value as an image-bearer of God?


Day 5: Kindness as Spirit-Led Obedience
Kindness is not about being nice or having a pleasant disposition. It is about living in obedience to God’s commands and responding to His kindness with Spirit-led conduct, seeing beyond the ordinary to recognize the divine image in every person. This understanding of kindness calls us to a higher standard, one that is rooted in obedience and guided by the Holy Spirit. By aligning our actions with God's commands, we can demonstrate true kindness that reflects His character. [30:55]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to demonstrate Spirit-led kindness? What specific step of obedience can you take today to align your actions with His commands?

Quotes



"Our job is to abide our job is to walk in step with the Spirit the Spirit grows the fruit and the other thing that I felt has been repeated through this series is this idea that these are not this is not a list of good personality traits that you should have if you're a Christian that's not what Paul is talking about here." [00:05:05] (21 seconds)


"The kindness of god is the steadfast love of god it is unchanging it is unchanging because it is based on a covenant that god has made with his people the kindness of god when i was a kid i loved to read books love to read books still love to read books but when i was a kid like it just uh couldn't get enough of them all sorts of books any kind of book." [00:18:50] (35 seconds)


"Mephibosheth is brought in, this guy that has been living on the periphery of society, kind of an outcast, not really able to do much because of his physical condition. And he finds himself invited not just to see the king, but every day of his life to eat at the king's table. That's what happens. You see, both of these stories include this idea of a covenant that was made." [00:17:33] (29 seconds)


"Jesus' death allows someone like me to sit every day in the presence of the King of Kings. Jesus' death ushers in this new covenant that God is going to cut with humanity. the imperfecto tickets we had this new covenant that God is, That's all we know today. I feel both about today." [00:26:25] (22 seconds)


"Where it is now possible for us to live as new people walking in step with the spirit that's what it talks about in Galatians chapter 5 is that we walk in step with the spirit and as we walk in step with the spirit he grows this fruit within us that enables us to live as new people people who bear the image of God who show the heart of God to the world that is all around us." [00:26:53] (30 seconds)


"Kindness as this fruit of the spirit in our lives it's not a personality trait it's not a feeling it's not just being nice it is obedience to who God calls us to be it is a response to God's kindness to us Hannah said it in the very first week of this series when she said that our love is born out of the knowledge that we are loved." [00:27:36] (36 seconds)


"We respond in kindness to others because we understand how kind God has been to us. Boaz's response to Ruth that day was because he understood what God had done for him and for his people and in response to that he chooses to act kindly to someone else." [00:28:21] (25 seconds)


"Everybody is somebody who is made in the image of God. There are no ordinary people. We do not live our lives interacting with mere mortals. So as we go into worship and sing the last song, I just wanted to encourage us to reflect. Reflect on the last 24 hours." [00:30:00] (33 seconds)


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Transcript
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