Living Out Love: The Power of Kindness

Summary

In our journey through the series on serving, we have come to understand that the essence of our faith is not merely found in words or explanations, but in the tangible expression of the Holy Spirit's work within us. As we delve into Galatians chapter five, we are reminded that the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control—are not just qualities to be discussed; they are to be visibly evident in our lives. When others witness these traits in us, they recognize the embodiment of love, joy, and kindness.Kindness, in particular, is love in action. It is the practical demonstration of love towards others. We all have struggled with showing love and kindness at times, but it is paramount that love remains our highest goal, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is the greatest value for us as followers of Christ, and it should be growing within us. We must ask ourselves and those close to us if our love has indeed expanded over the years.The conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is a reality for every believer. We are in a constant battle to allow the Spirit to lead us rather than succumbing to our fleshly desires. Thankfully, we are not left to fight this battle alone. The Holy Spirit works within us, convicting, empowering, and waiting for our response to produce the fruit of love and kindness in our lives.We are called to abide in Christ, to remain connected to Him, allowing His Spirit to reign in our lives. This connection is vital for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in us. The Holy Spirit follows a pattern of convicting us, empowering us, and then waiting for our response. It is our choice to either cooperate with the Spirit or to quench it.God gives us opportunities every day to demonstrate love and kindness. The question is, how are we responding to these opportunities? Are we growing in love and kindness? The Bible provides us with a gauge to measure this growth: "Consider others better than yourself" (Philippians 2:3). This is the standard by which we can assess our progress in love and kindness.As we engage in our 21 days of kindness initiative, we are reminded of the importance of being sensitive to those around us and seizing opportunities to show kindness. We are inspired by stories like that of the hairdresser in the movie "Ordinary Angels," who finds purpose in serving others. We are ordinary people capable of making an extraordinary difference through acts of kindness.In conclusion, we are called to express loving kindness spontaneously, sensitively, and sacrificially. We must seize the moment, be sensitive to the needs around us, and be willing to make sacrifices to show kindness. This is how we demonstrate the love of Christ to a world in need.Key Takeaways:- Kindness is the practical outworking of love; it is not merely a feeling or an emotion, but an action we choose to take. When we act in kindness, we make the love of God visible and tangible to those around us. This is the power of kindness—it can be seen and felt by all, transcending barriers of language and ability. [49:33]- The Holy Spirit is actively working within us, not only to convict us of areas where we need to grow but also to empower us to live out the fruits of the Spirit. Our response to the Spirit's prompting is crucial. We must choose to cooperate with the Spirit, allowing God's love and kindness to flow through us to others. [43:55]- Our growth in love and kindness can be measured by the simple yet profound biblical standard of considering others better than ourselves. This selfless perspective is the hallmark of Christ's love in us and challenges us to put others' needs and well-being above our own. [45:22]- Opportunities to show kindness are often fleeting, and we must be ready to act spontaneously as the Spirit leads. By being attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we can respond to the needs around us with immediate acts of kindness that reflect God's love. [56:51]- Expressing loving kindness requires sensitivity to the people God places in our path. By opening our eyes and hearts to those in need, we can extend kindness that meets emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, demonstrating the difference Christ makes in our lives. [58:13]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
2. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV) - "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
3. Philippians 2:3 (NIV) - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the fruits of the Spirit that should be evident in a believer's life?
2. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, which virtue is described as the greatest, and why might this be significant for Christians? [33:01]
3. How does Philippians 2:3 challenge us to view and treat others in our daily interactions? [44:44]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the practical definition of kindness? [32:04]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize love as the greatest virtue in 1 Corinthians 13:13, and how does this relate to the other fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23? [33:01]
2. How does the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:16-17, impact our ability to show kindness and other fruits of the Spirit? [40:00]
3. What does it mean to "consider others better than yourself" in Philippians 2:3, and how can this mindset transform our actions and relationships? [44:44]
4. The sermon mentions that kindness is "love in action." How does this definition help us understand the practical outworking of our faith? [32:04]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the past five to ten years. Can you identify specific ways in which your love and kindness have grown? How can you continue to cultivate these fruits in your life? [34:00]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of responding to the Holy Spirit's promptings. Can you recall a recent situation where you felt prompted to show kindness? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [43:38]
3. Considering Philippians 2:3, think of a person in your life whom you find difficult to value above yourself. What practical steps can you take this week to show them kindness and humility? [44:44]
4. The sermon encourages spontaneous acts of kindness. What is one spontaneous act of kindness you can commit to doing this week? How will you ensure you follow through? [56:09]
5. Reflect on a time when you struggled with the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. How did you overcome it, and what role did the Holy Spirit play in that process? [40:00]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of sacrificial kindness. Identify a specific area in your life where you can make a sacrifice to show kindness to someone in need. What will this look like in practice? [58:13]
7. How can you be more sensitive to the needs of those around you, as the sermon suggests? What are some practical ways you can open your eyes and heart to the opportunities for kindness in your daily life? [57:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Visible Love in Action
Kindness is not merely a concept to be admired but a visible force that transforms interactions and relationships. It is the hands and feet of love, moving beyond the realm of feelings into the realm of action. When one chooses to act kindly, they become a conduit through which the love of God is made manifest in the world. This tangible expression of love breaks down barriers and serves as a universal language that can be understood by all, regardless of their background or beliefs. Kindness, therefore, is not passive; it is an active choice to extend God's grace to others, often requiring intentionality and effort. It is in these moments of kindness that the character of Christ is most vividly displayed to those around us. [49:33]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." - Hebrews 13:16

Reflection: Identify one person you will encounter today and plan a specific act of kindness for them. How might this act reflect God's love to them?

Day 2: Responding to the Spirit's Prompting
The Holy Spirit is not a passive presence in the lives of believers but an active agent of change, constantly working to mold character and empower actions that align with the fruits of the Spirit. This divine empowerment is not forced upon individuals but offered, requiring a response—a choice to either cooperate with the Spirit or to resist. When one chooses to yield to the Spirit's leading, they allow the love and kindness of God to flow through them, impacting lives and bearing witness to the transformative power of the gospel. The Spirit's role is to convict and to empower, but it is up to each person to respond and act upon that divine influence, allowing the fruits of the Spirit to flourish within and through them. [43:55]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25

Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when you felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to show kindness. Did you respond? How can you be more attentive to such promptings today?

Day 3: Selflessness as a Measure of Growth
The journey of spiritual growth is marked by an increasing capacity to love others selflessly, considering their needs and well-being above one's own. This biblical standard challenges believers to adopt a Christ-like perspective, where the value of others is esteemed higher than personal comfort or gain. It is a radical call to humility and service that reflects the very nature of Jesus. As one grows in love and kindness, this selfless attitude becomes more pronounced, serving as a gauge for spiritual maturity. It is not enough to simply feel love; one must demonstrate it through actions that prioritize the good of others, often at a personal cost. [45:22]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:4

Reflection: Consider a situation where you can put someone else's needs above your own today. What might that look like, and how can you make a conscious effort to do so?

Day 4: Seizing Spontaneous Opportunities
Kindness often presents itself in fleeting moments, and the readiness to act spontaneously as the Spirit leads is a testament to a heart attuned to God's will. These opportunities to show kindness are divine appointments, orchestrated by God, to extend His love to others in practical and timely ways. Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's nudging enables believers to respond with immediate acts of kindness that can have a profound impact on someone's day or even their life. The challenge lies in maintaining an open heart and a willingness to be interrupted by God's prompting, allowing His love to be expressed through spontaneous acts of kindness. [56:51]

"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion." - Luke 10:33

Reflection: What can you do to remain open to spontaneous acts of kindness today? Is there a specific situation where you can practice this readiness to serve?

Day 5: Sensitivity to Others' Needs
Expressing loving kindness is not a passive endeavor but requires an active sensitivity to the needs of those God places in our path. It involves opening our eyes and hearts to the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of others, and being willing to respond in a way that meets those needs. This sensitivity is a reflection of Christ's love and compassion, which sees beyond the surface and reaches into the depths of human experience. By being attuned to the needs around us, we can extend kindness in ways that are both meaningful and impactful, demonstrating the difference Christ makes in our lives and in the lives of those we touch. [58:13]

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." - Romans 12:15

Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to the needs of those around you? Is there someone in your life who needs your kindness today, and how can you show it?

Quotes

- "Kindness is simply love in action. That's exactly what kindness is. It's love in action." [32:15] ( | | )

- "Let love be your highest goal, right? In your relationships, in your family, in your life, in your neighborhood, in your communities, in this whole broken and confused world, this divided world, let love be your greatest goal, your highest goal." [33:41] ( | | )

- "Consider others better than yourself. Five words. The five word test, consider others better than yourself." [45:22] ( | | )

- "The kingdom of God is a part of the cross culture. Out of love and kindness, the cross of Jesus cancels our shame, guilt, weaknesses, mistakes, and sin." [48:18] ( | | )

- "Express loving kindness spontaneously... Listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting and then act on how the Holy Spirit is prompting you with kindness." [56:51] ( | | )

- "Express loving kindness sensitively... There are people all around you that need some kind of loving kindness in their life. Emotional, physical, spiritual." [58:13] ( | | )

- "Treat the least, the last, and the lost. Treat everyone with kindness because this is how God treats us." [49:54] ( | | )

- "The Holy Spirit works 24/7 in your life and in my life... to produce the fruit in our lives. Now, this is how the Holy Spirit works. He convicts, then He empowers and then He waits for us to respond." [43:55] ( | | )

- "God gives every one of us opportunities. Now, the question is, how are you doing with those opportunities?" [43:55] ( | | )

- "We are his children. We are his beloved. We are his ambassadors called to share the good news of reconciliation between us and God. We are called to show kindness." [54:23] ( | | )

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?