Radical Kindness: Reflecting God's Love in Action
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delve into the Christian virtue of kindness as part of our ongoing exploration of the fruits of the Spirit. Unlike patience, which we discussed last week, kindness is often misunderstood. Many of us consider ourselves kind by worldly standards—donating to charity, helping others, and being polite. However, true biblical kindness goes far beyond these actions. It reflects the very character and nature of God and challenges us to step out of our comfort zones. True kindness does not discriminate between the deserving and the undeserving; it speaks the truth in love and often involves sacrifice.
We often mistake kindness for mere niceness or politeness, but biblical kindness is much deeper. It is not just about sentiment or empathy; it is about action. Sometimes, people use kindness selfishly, to manipulate or control others. True kindness, however, always seeks the well-being of others, even at a personal cost. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, reflecting God's impartial kindness. God sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous, showing no discrimination in His generosity.
In Jesus' time, kindness was often limited to one's own group—Greeks to Greeks, Jews to Jews. But Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, extended kindness to everyone, including their enemies. This radical kindness was so impactful that even a Roman emperor, Julian the Apostate, noted how Christians cared for both their own poor and those of other faiths. This indiscriminate kindness is what sets biblical kindness apart from worldly kindness.
Biblical kindness is not about being nice or polite. Jesus and Paul both demonstrated that true kindness sometimes involves speaking hard truths. Jesus cleared the temple and rebuked the Pharisees, not out of rudeness, but out of a deep love and concern for others. Similarly, Paul wished that those who were misleading the Galatians would emasculate themselves, showing that kindness can be direct and bold.
Finally, kindness is not just a feeling but an action. It leads to charity and good deeds. The ultimate example of this is God sending Jesus to die for our sins. Our acts of kindness should reflect this sacrificial love. When we engage in acts of kindness, it releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and reduces stress, making our church a sanctuary where people feel safe and welcome. Let's strive to embody this true biblical kindness in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Biblical Kindness Reflects God's Character: True kindness goes beyond worldly standards and reflects the very nature of God. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and show kindness to both the deserving and the undeserving. This kind of kindness speaks the truth in love and often involves personal sacrifice. [01:57]
2. Kindness vs. Niceness: Biblical kindness is not the same as being nice or polite. Jesus and Paul both demonstrated that true kindness sometimes involves speaking hard truths. This directness, rooted in love and concern, is essential for genuine kindness. We must be careful not to mistake boldness for rudeness. [18:25]
3. Indiscriminate Kindness: Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, reflecting God's impartial kindness. God sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous, showing no discrimination in His generosity. This lack of discrimination is what makes biblical kindness stand out. [06:44]
4. Kindness in Action: Kindness is not just a feeling but an action. It leads to charity and good deeds. The ultimate example of this is God sending Jesus to die for our sins. Our acts of kindness should reflect this sacrificial love, showing that we are truly walking with God. [23:34]
5. The Power of Kindness in Community: Acts of kindness release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and reduces stress. This makes our church a sanctuary where people feel safe and welcome. Kindness fosters trust and cooperative behavior, essential for a cohesive and unified community. [28:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to Kindness
[01:57] - True Biblical Kindness
[03:32] - Selective Kindness
[05:05] - Social Media and Kindness
[06:44] - God's Impartial Kindness
[08:38] - Historical Context of Kindness
[10:09] - Jesus' Radical Teachings
[11:56] - Early Christian Kindness
[13:32] - The Challenge of Loving Enemies
[15:12] - Wisdom in Kindness
[16:38] - Ephesians and Grace
[18:25] - Kindness vs. Niceness
[20:15] - Jesus' Boldness
[21:47] - Speaking Truth in Love
[23:34] - Kindness in Action
[25:06] - Struggles with Kindness
[26:36] - Radical Kindness and Well-being
[28:01] - The Power of Oxytocin
[29:37] - Creating a Safe Community
[30:00] - Conclusion and Call to Kindness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: True Biblical Kindness
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:44-45: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
2. Ephesians 2:4-9: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
3. Galatians 5:22-23: "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."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, how does true biblical kindness differ from worldly kindness? [01:57]
2. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate the difference between kindness and mere sentiment or politeness? [18:25]
3. How did Jesus and Paul demonstrate that true kindness sometimes involves speaking hard truths? [20:15]
4. What role does oxytocin play in fostering a sense of community within the church, according to the sermon? [28:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the pastor emphasize that true biblical kindness reflects God's character and often involves personal sacrifice? [01:57]
2. How does the concept of indiscriminate kindness challenge our natural inclinations towards selective kindness? [06:44]
3. In what ways did early Christians demonstrate radical kindness, and how did this impact their communities and even their enemies? [11:56]
4. How can the release of oxytocin through acts of kindness contribute to a more cohesive and supportive church community? [28:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you showed kindness selectively. What motivated your selectiveness, and how can you strive to show indiscriminate kindness in the future? [05:05]
2. Think of a situation where you need to speak a hard truth to someone. How can you ensure that your approach is rooted in love and concern rather than rudeness? [20:15]
3. Identify a person in your life who you find difficult to be kind to. What specific steps can you take to show them kindness this week, even if they don't deserve it? [06:44]
4. How can you incorporate acts of kindness into your daily routine to foster a sense of community and trust within your church? [28:01]
5. Consider the sacrificial nature of God's kindness in sending Jesus. What is one way you can reflect this sacrificial love in your interactions with others this week? [23:34]
6. How can you use social media as a platform for showing true biblical kindness rather than engaging in divisive or unkind behavior? [03:32]
7. Reflect on the role of kindness in reducing stress and promoting well-being. What is one practical way you can contribute to making your church a sanctuary where people feel safe and welcome? [29:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Reflecting God's Character Through Kindness
True biblical kindness goes beyond worldly standards and reflects the very nature of God. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and show kindness to both the deserving and the undeserving. This kind of kindness speaks the truth in love and often involves personal sacrifice. True kindness does not discriminate; it seeks the well-being of others, even at a personal cost. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, reflecting God's impartial kindness. God sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous, showing no discrimination in His generosity. [01:57]
Ephesians 4:32 (ESV): "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who you find difficult to be kind to. How can you show them God's love and kindness this week, even if it involves personal sacrifice?
Day 2: Kindness vs. Niceness
Biblical kindness is not the same as being nice or polite. Jesus and Paul both demonstrated that true kindness sometimes involves speaking hard truths. This directness, rooted in love and concern, is essential for genuine kindness. We must be careful not to mistake boldness for rudeness. Jesus cleared the temple and rebuked the Pharisees, not out of rudeness, but out of a deep love and concern for others. Similarly, Paul wished that those who were misleading the Galatians would emasculate themselves, showing that kindness can be direct and bold. [18:25]
Proverbs 27:5-6 (ESV): "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy."
Reflection: Is there a situation where you need to speak a hard truth to someone out of love and concern? How can you ensure that your words are rooted in kindness and not in rudeness?
Day 3: Indiscriminate Kindness
Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, reflecting God's impartial kindness. God sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous, showing no discrimination in His generosity. This lack of discrimination is what makes biblical kindness stand out. In Jesus' time, kindness was often limited to one's own group—Greeks to Greeks, Jews to Jews. But Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, extended kindness to everyone, including their enemies. This radical kindness was so impactful that even a Roman emperor noted how Christians cared for both their own poor and those of other faiths. [06:44]
Luke 6:35 (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."
Reflection: Identify someone you consider an "enemy" or someone who has wronged you. How can you show them kindness this week, expecting nothing in return?
Day 4: Kindness in Action
Kindness is not just a feeling but an action. It leads to charity and good deeds. The ultimate example of this is God sending Jesus to die for our sins. Our acts of kindness should reflect this sacrificial love, showing that we are truly walking with God. When we engage in acts of kindness, it releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and reduces stress, making our church a sanctuary where people feel safe and welcome. [23:34]
James 2:15-17 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one specific act of kindness you can do today that reflects sacrificial love? How can this action help someone in need?
Day 5: The Power of Kindness in Community
Acts of kindness release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and reduces stress. This makes our church a sanctuary where people feel safe and welcome. Kindness fosters trust and cooperative behavior, essential for a cohesive and unified community. When we engage in acts of kindness, it not only benefits the recipient but also strengthens the bonds within our community, making it a place where people feel loved and valued. [28:01]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you contribute to making your church a sanctuary of kindness this week? What specific actions can you take to foster a sense of community and belonging?
Quotes
1. "True biblical kindness as a fruit of the Spirit challenges us to go way beyond our comfort zones. Sometimes it will bring us out of our comfort zones. And true biblical kindness does not discriminate the deserving from the undeserving. True biblical kindness speaks the truth. True biblical kindness speaks the truth. True biblical kindness speaks the truth in love. And true biblical kindness embraces sacrifice. Sometimes it really costs to be kind. And true biblical kindness always seeks the well-being of others." [03:32] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Why is our kindness often selective? And the answer is, is that sometimes we're more shaped by the world's values, such as individualism, competition, and self-interest, than we are in the values of the kingdom of God. We like to have our preferences. We like to have things our own way. We become kind to those who affirm only our beliefs while being indifferent and sometimes hostile to those who don't." [05:05] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So then, we're not to discriminate when it comes to kindness, but to show kindness to the deserving and the undeserving. And I think this is the hard bit, and even to our enemies. At that point, you're going, no way. Why? Why? Well, here's the thing. The Bible tells us is that it's because while we were undeserving, while we were God's enemies, God showed His loving kindness to us in Christ Jesus." [06:44] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Imagine if God was only kind. To those who deserved it. Imagine if he did not share with others what was his to give. Consider what Murray McShane has to say. He was a famous preacher. Christ might have said, my blood is my own. My life is my own. I'm not giving it. They don't deserve it. Where would that leave you? Where would that leave me?" [13:32] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Kindness is not just sentiment. It leads to action of some kind. And radical kindness, this will be our last section, radical kindness leads to the well-being of others. I want to hear talk about the motives. Of our kindness. As Rodney pointed out a few weeks ago when he was preaching on peace, the purpose of growing in spiritual fruit is to actually bind the believing community together." [26:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Biblical kindness is not niceness and it's not politeness. Consider what Paul says in Galatians 5.12 just before he instructs the Galatians in the fruit of the Spirit. Now, remember last week I was telling you that there are people coming in, they're trying to impose on the Galatians rules and regulations and things that would be bad for them, that would prevent them from trusting in Jesus." [18:25] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Biblical kindness, it's not sentiment. It's not sentiment. It's actually deeds. It works itself out in action. It's faith with legs on it. Biblical kindness leads to charity. Charity is love in action. You see, the best way to explain this, I think, is that God didn't just tell us that He loved us and that He was concerned for us, but He actually did something about it." [23:34] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Godly kindness expressed in your walk with Jesus is evidence that you are a Christian and that you're walking with God. And you know that your kindness towards others is not simply sentiment when it is not a work of your own doing. It is a work of your own doing. It actually costs you something to act. You know that your kindness towards others is not simply sentiment when it is directed towards those who cannot pay you back." [25:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Oxytocin also promotes trust and cooperative behavior, which are crucial for a cohesive and a unified community. In a church like this, trust can manifest in collaborative efforts, shared responsibilities, and mutual commitment. Let's be kind to one another. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. Amen." [29:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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