Shining God's Goodness Through Kindness and Humility
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to One Church at Home. As always, it is so good to have you here online with us. Today, we continue our study of the book of Galatians, specifically focusing on the fruits of the Spirit. When I say the phrase, "God is good," you know what to say back, right? "All the time." And all the time, God is good. This call and response might seem cheesy, but it serves to remind us of the fundamental truth that God is inherently good. However, while God is good, life doesn't always feel so good. We live in a world filled with political strife, social media toxicity, and personal challenges that make it hard to see the goodness around us. As we approach the final stretch of what might be the most toxic election cycle in our country's history, it's easy to feel disheartened. But this is where the fruits of the Spirit come into play, particularly kindness and goodness.
Living out the fruits of the Spirit can be challenging. As a preacher, nothing shows you how difficult it is to bear good fruit more than having to teach about it. I know I have a tendency to get defensive when receiving feedback, especially when it feels personal. This defensiveness stems from a desire for control, which can be a barrier to living out God's goodness. When I feel attacked or inadequate, I need to lean into the reality that God is good and that His goodness can live in me through the power of the Holy Spirit. This requires humility and a willingness to assess and submit the areas of our lives that are not aligned with God.
Goodness is the light of God shining within us, and kindness is that light shining out to the world. Kindness is an outward-focused virtue that we express towards others as we experience the goodness of God. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates this beautifully. A Samaritan man, who would have been despised by the Jewish man he helped, went out of his way to care for someone in need. This act of kindness was not just about being helpful; it was about showing love and compassion, even to those who might not reciprocate it.
We are all made in the image of God, and this means that we must treat others with the same kindness and goodness that God shows us. It's unloving and unkind to treat people with disdain just because they are different from us. We are all separated from God as sinners, and it's only by the grace of Jesus that we can share in His goodness and receive eternal life. Therefore, we must be intentional in pointing others to Jesus, whether they know Him or not. This can be as simple as setting a personal goal to point someone to Jesus once a week, or even once a month. It could be through a word of encouragement, a text message, or an act of generosity.
When we go out of our way to honor someone else as a fellow image bearer, we not only point them to Jesus but also remind ourselves of His goodness. This is a challenge, but God is with us through it all. He fills us with His goodness so that we can live lives of kindness. As we leave this place, let's remember that we are made in God's image and that His goodness can shine through us to the world around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Goodness Amidst Life's Challenges: While God is inherently good, life often feels far from it. The political strife, social media toxicity, and personal challenges we face can make it hard to see the goodness around us. Yet, it's in these moments that we must remember and declare that God is good, all the time. This declaration is not just a cliché but a profound truth that anchors us in turbulent times. [09:18]
2. The Challenge of Living Out the Fruits of the Spirit: Living out the fruits of the Spirit, particularly kindness and goodness, can be incredibly challenging. It requires humility and a willingness to assess and submit the areas of our lives that are not aligned with God. When we feel attacked or inadequate, we need to lean into the reality that God is good and that His goodness can live in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. [18:44]
3. Goodness and Kindness as Expressions of God's Light: Goodness is the light of God shining within us, and kindness is that light shining out to the world. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates this beautifully. Acts of kindness are not just about being helpful; they are about showing love and compassion, even to those who might not reciprocate it. This outward-focused virtue is a response to the goodness we have received from God. [24:03]
4. The Importance of Recognizing Our Shared Humanity: We are all made in the image of God, and this means that we must treat others with the same kindness and goodness that God shows us. It's unloving and unkind to treat people with disdain just because they are different from us. We are all separated from God as sinners, and it's only by the grace of Jesus that we can share in His goodness and receive eternal life. [32:29]
5. Intentional Evangelism Through Kindness: We must be intentional in pointing others to Jesus, whether they know Him or not. This can be as simple as setting a personal goal to point someone to Jesus once a week, or even once a month. Acts of kindness, such as a word of encouragement, a text message, or an act of generosity, can make a significant impact. When we honor others as fellow image bearers, we not only point them to Jesus but also remind ourselves of His goodness. [35:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:34] - God is Good, All the Time
[09:18] - Life's Challenges and God's Goodness
[11:02] - Fruits of the Spirit: Kindness and Goodness
[18:44] - The Challenge of Living Out the Fruits
[19:18] - Personal Struggles with Feedback
[21:03] - Leaning into God's Goodness
[24:03] - Goodness and Kindness as Expressions of God's Light
[25:29] - Becoming More Like Jesus
[26:58] - The Parable of the Good Samaritan
[30:53] - Intentional Evangelism Through Kindness
[32:29] - Recognizing Our Shared Humanity
[35:11] - Practical Ways to Show Kindness
[36:23] - Closing Prayer
[37:46] - Final Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
> "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. Luke 10:25-37 (ESV)
> "And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, 'Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' He said to him, 'What is written in the Law? How do you read it?' And he answered, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.' And he said to him, 'You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.' But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?' Jesus replied, 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?' He said, 'The one who showed him mercy.' And Jesus said to him, 'You go, and do likewise.'"
3. Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
> "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the fruits of the Spirit?
2. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), who were the three people that encountered the man beaten by robbers, and how did each respond?
3. What does Genesis 1:27 say about how humans are created?
4. How does the concept of being made in God's image relate to how we should treat others?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think kindness and goodness are included as fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. What does the response of the Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 teach us about the nature of kindness and goodness?
3. How does understanding that we are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27) influence our actions towards others?
4. What might be the significance of Jesus using a Samaritan as the hero in the parable of the Good Samaritan?
### Application Questions
1. Think of a recent situation where you felt defensive or attacked. How can you lean into God's goodness in similar future situations?
2. Identify one person in your life who is different from you in some way (politically, religiously, ethnically, etc.). What is one specific act of kindness you can show them this week?
3. Set a personal goal to point someone to Jesus this week. What specific action will you take to achieve this goal?
4. Reflect on a time when someone showed you kindness. How did it impact you, and how can you replicate that kindness towards someone else this week?
5. What is one area of your life that is not aligned with God's goodness? What steps will you take to submit this area to God and allow His goodness to shine through you?
Devotional
Day 1: God's Goodness Amidst Life's Challenges
Life often feels far from good due to political strife, social media toxicity, and personal challenges. These difficulties can make it hard to see the goodness around us. However, it's in these moments that we must remember and declare that God is good, all the time. This declaration is not just a cliché but a profound truth that anchors us in turbulent times. By acknowledging God's inherent goodness, we can find solace and strength to navigate through life's adversities.
When we face these challenges, it's essential to lean into the reality that God's goodness is unchanging. This perspective helps us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in His divine plan. By focusing on God's goodness, we can cultivate a sense of peace and hope, even in the midst of chaos. [09:18]
Psalm 34:8 (ESV): "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to declare God's goodness today? How can this declaration change your perspective on your current challenges?
Day 2: The Challenge of Living Out the Fruits of the Spirit
Living out the fruits of the Spirit, particularly kindness and goodness, can be incredibly challenging. It requires humility and a willingness to assess and submit the areas of our lives that are not aligned with God. When we feel attacked or inadequate, we need to lean into the reality that God is good and that His goodness can live in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. This process involves a deep level of self-examination and a commitment to spiritual growth.
It's important to recognize that our defensiveness often stems from a desire for control. By surrendering this need for control to God, we open ourselves up to His transformative power. This allows us to bear good fruit and reflect His goodness in our interactions with others. [18:44]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you grow in this area?
Day 3: Goodness and Kindness as Expressions of God's Light
Goodness is the light of God shining within us, and kindness is that light shining out to the world. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates this beautifully. Acts of kindness are not just about being helpful; they are about showing love and compassion, even to those who might not reciprocate it. This outward-focused virtue is a response to the goodness we have received from God.
When we embody kindness, we reflect God's love to those around us. This can have a profound impact, not only on the recipients of our kindness but also on our own spiritual growth. By choosing to act with kindness, we become conduits of God's light in a world that desperately needs it. [24:03]
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: Think of a recent opportunity you had to show kindness. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in the future to better reflect God's light?
Day 4: The Importance of Recognizing Our Shared Humanity
We are all made in the image of God, and this means that we must treat others with the same kindness and goodness that God shows us. It's unloving and unkind to treat people with disdain just because they are different from us. We are all separated from God as sinners, and it's only by the grace of Jesus that we can share in His goodness and receive eternal life.
Recognizing our shared humanity helps us to see others through the lens of God's love. This perspective encourages us to extend grace and compassion, even to those who may not share our beliefs or values. By doing so, we honor the image of God in every person and create opportunities for meaningful connections. [32:29]
James 3:9 (ESV): "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life whom you have treated with disdain or judgment? How can you begin to see them as an image bearer of God and extend kindness to them?
Day 5: Intentional Evangelism Through Kindness
We must be intentional in pointing others to Jesus, whether they know Him or not. This can be as simple as setting a personal goal to point someone to Jesus once a week, or even once a month. Acts of kindness, such as a word of encouragement, a text message, or an act of generosity, can make a significant impact. When we honor others as fellow image bearers, we not only point them to Jesus but also remind ourselves of His goodness.
Intentional evangelism through kindness is a powerful way to share the love of Christ. By making a conscious effort to show kindness, we create opportunities for others to experience God's love in tangible ways. This not only strengthens our own faith but also helps to build a community rooted in compassion and grace. [35:11]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Set a specific goal for how you will intentionally show kindness to someone this week. How can this act of kindness point them to Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are intentionally pointing other people to Jesus. It means that we are seeing others exactly as they are, for who they are. In the midst of whatever circumstance they're going through, we see them as who they are and we point them to Jesus. I said before that each one of us, we're image bearers, right? God made all of us. He didn't say, I just made this person or this group of people or, you know, just the Baptists or just the Pentecostals, you know. No, he made all of us in his image." [32:29]
2. "And you can do this by setting a personal goal. Like one of the things that I've tried to kind of have in my own life, and I've talked to other people in my world, right? Where it's like, okay, well, one time a week, right? Let's set the bar kind of low here. One time a week, I want to point somebody to Jesus. I want to show them who Jesus is. I want to talk to them about Jesus. I just want to be with them maybe in the presence of their circumstances, you know? Maybe it's once every other week. Maybe you start with once a month. You set a goal to try to point somebody to Jesus." [33:59]
3. "Just simply write a little note of encouragement. Stick it in the mail, you know? Drop it to them at church, right? Drop it in their mailbox, you know? Just give them a word of encouragement just to remind them that they matter. Just shoot them a text. If God places somebody on your heart, shoot them a text. I can't tell you how many times over the years I've done this. God put somebody on my heart and I think about them. I haven't talked to them in a little bit. I'll just shoot them a little bit of a text of encouragement. Let them know that I'm thinking about them." [35:11]
4. "And we don't like to give control of our present or our future to God. And we're just arrogant enough to think that we have all the answers to know that we know what's best for us. This came out in my life in a hard way over the last couple of weeks. And by the way, can I just acknowledge, or can we just acknowledge together, as we go through the fruits of the Spirit, living this out, it can be so difficult. Right? It can be really hard." [18:44]
5. "It's right there in the meaning. But as we dive a little bit deeper, my Bible dictionary puts it like this. For kindness, it says, Kindness is gentleness in putting love in action. Kindness is a quality of God's gracious attitude and actions towards sinners. So, kindness is the presence of compassion and generosity towards others, right? The kind person is helpful, they're useful, and they are lovingly working for the well-being of others. And it doesn't matter who those others are." [12:00]
### Quotes for Members
1. "When I don't feel good about myself, here's what I've learned. That is when I need to lean in even harder to the realization that God is good, right? That when everything else starts to feel shaken, when things start to feel personal, when I start to feel attacked, when I start to feel like I'm not enough, I've got to lean into the reality that God is good and He's the only one that is, right? And that it's only by His grace and by the power of His Spirit, that His goodness can live in me, that His goodness can even come out of me, that I can be healthy and whole." [21:03]
2. "Goodness is the light of God shining within you. He shines in our hearts. We aren't good, but God always is. And His light shines through us by the power of the Holy Spirit who is always working in us, working in us and through us to achieve and accomplish His purposes. And God created us to maintain His goodness on this earth, acting on His behalf, partnering with Him in His ministry, in His work, as he brings heaven to earth." [23:06]
3. "If goodness is the light of God shining within our hearts well then kindness is the light of God shining from our hearts. If goodness is the light of God inside of us inside of our hearts shining bright changing us right bringing light to the dark places of our hearts then kindness is one of the ways that God's light shines on us and that's why we are humble enough to accept his light to the world around us to those around us to the world around us to your family to your people at work to the people at your school in your neighborhoods kindness exists for the benefit of others." [24:03]
4. "And so, if the goal of our faith is to literally become more like Jesus as disciples, then our goal with all of this needs to be to love and to have goodness come out of us, right? The goal then is love and goodness, because that's... that's who God is. But that kind of love and goodness, guys, it's only real, right? I think we know this, it's only real when it's expressed in how we live, right? Like, how real is it if we come and listen, but we don't actually change, if God isn't changing us on the inside, you know?" [25:29]
5. "Kindness evangelizes. You know what I mean by that? Does that sound like kind of a foreign word? Well, maybe like a little religious word or Christianese or whatever, whatever. Well, all it means, guys, is that we are intentionally pointing others to Jesus, right? And using it for our own purposes apart from God's intent. I'll say that again. Evil is taking what God made good and using it for our own purposes apart from God's intent. It's simply seeing things differently than God does." [30:53]
6. "We are no different in our need for grace. And praise God that you had someone and that I had someone who took the time, who saw something in me to show me that I'm worth it, right? That I have value, that I am worth the grace of God, right? And so if that was true for you, we've got to do that for others. Right? We've got to do that for others." [33:59]
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