Till Death Do Us Part: Living with Hope and Kindness

Devotional

Day 1: Be Kind, Tenderhearted, and Forgiving to One Another

To live as God calls us is to embrace kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness in our relationships, just as Christ has forgiven us. This is not a one-time act but a daily invitation to let go of grudges, to soften our hearts toward others, and to extend grace even when it is difficult. In doing so, we reflect the love and mercy that God has shown us, building a community where healing and hope can flourish. It is never too late to begin living this way, no matter our past or present circumstances. [45:44]

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally show kindness or forgiveness to today, even if it feels undeserved?

Day 2: Let Death Give Us Perspective for Living

Death has a way of sharpening our perspective, reminding us of what truly matters and inviting us to live with intention and love. When we gather to remember those who have gone before us, we are given the opportunity to reflect on our own lives—how we want to be remembered, what legacies we wish to leave, and how we can serve one another in the name of Jesus. Rather than waiting until it is too late, we are called to live now with the courage and fearlessness that comes from Christ’s resurrection, making each day count in love and service. [41:47]

Philippians 1:21 (ESV)
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Reflection: If you were to look back on your life from the perspective of your own funeral, what is one change you would want to make starting today?

Day 3: Speak Truth in Love and Build Others Up

Our words have the power to either tear down or build up those around us. Speaking the truth in love means being honest, but always with the intention of lifting others, offering hope, and setting people free rather than causing harm. This kind of speech requires self-awareness and a commitment to use our voices for encouragement, healing, and unity, especially in moments of conflict or misunderstanding. [45:17]

Ephesians 4:25, 29 (ESV)
"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another... Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to hear a word of encouragement or truth from you today? How can you speak to them in a way that builds them up?

Day 4: Give Generously and Live to Share

True fulfillment comes not from accumulating treasures for ourselves, but from living generously and sharing what we have with others. Whether it is material resources, time, or talents, we are called to work and labor so that we might have something to give, embodying a spirit of abundance rather than scarcity. When we live to share, we become treasures to those around us, and our lives become a testimony to God’s provision and love. [44:34]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV)
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: What is one tangible way you can give or share with someone in need this week?

Day 5: Appreciate the Treasure of Those Around You

Every person in our lives is a unique treasure, placed by God to enrich our journey. Too often, we overlook the gifts and stories of those around us, or we fail to express our appreciation. By recognizing and affirming the value in others, we not only encourage them but also open our own hearts to the abundance of God’s love in community. Take time to notice, celebrate, and tell someone what a treasure they are to you and to God. [50:01]

Romans 12:10 (ESV)
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

Reflection: Who is someone in your life you can affirm today by telling them specifically why they are a treasure to you?

Sermon Summary

Today’s reflection centers on the theme “Till Death Do Us Part,” inviting us to consider the profound impact of death—not only as an end, but as a lens through which we can more fully appreciate life, relationships, and the call to live as Christ taught us. As we remember those who have gone before us, we are reminded that death is not merely a moment of loss, but a sacred opportunity to reflect on the legacy we leave and the ways we can embody kindness, forgiveness, and generosity in our daily lives.

Drawing from Ephesians 4:32—“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven you”—we are challenged to live with a perspective shaped by both the brevity and the beauty of life. The story of Uncle John, whose rough edges were softened as he neared the end of his life, illustrates how the awareness of mortality can transform us, making us more patient, loving, and present to those around us. Death, in this sense, becomes a teacher, urging us to offer the benefit of the doubt, to speak words that build up rather than tear down, and to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians offers practical wisdom for living in the light of eternity: speak the truth in love, let anger inform but not control, work not just for personal gain but so that we might give generously, and use our words to lift others up. These are not just ideals for the end of life, but daily practices that shape a community marked by grace and hope.

The story of the treasure hunter, Dale Clifton Jr., serves as a living parable: true treasure is not in what we accumulate, but in what we share. His joy in giving away the fruits of his labor, inviting others to “shake hands with history,” mirrors the call to live open-handedly, seeing the people around us as treasures to be cherished.

In the face of our own imperfections and failures, we are reminded to be kind to ourselves, recognizing that God’s grace is sufficient and that it is never too late to begin again. As we bless one another and commit ourselves to God’s unfailing love, we are invited to live each day with the courage, generosity, and kindness that death, paradoxically, makes possible.

Key Takeaways

1. Death as a Transformative Teacher Death is not simply an end, but a powerful teacher that can soften our rough edges and deepen our compassion. When we allow the reality of mortality to shape our perspective, we become more present, more forgiving, and more eager to cherish the people around us. This awareness invites us to live with intention, making the most of the time and relationships we have. [40:30]
2. Living with Eternal Perspective Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians is not just for the afterlife, but for the here and now. By speaking truth in love, letting anger inform rather than control, and giving generously, we participate in the kingdom of God today. This eternal perspective frees us from fear and empowers us to live lives marked by hope and fulfillment. [42:35]
3. Generosity as a Way of Life True wealth is not measured by what we accumulate, but by what we give away. The story of the treasure hunter who lives to share his discoveries challenges us to see our resources, talents, and stories as gifts meant for others. Generosity becomes a daily practice that reflects God’s own self-giving love. [48:46]
4. The Power of Words to Build Up Our words have the capacity to either wound or heal, to tear down or build up. Living in the light of eternity means choosing language that lifts others, offers hope, and reflects the kindness of Christ. This discipline transforms not only those around us, but also our own hearts. [45:17]
5. Kindness and Forgiveness Begin with Ourselves It is easy to be harsh with ourselves when we fall short, but the call to kindness and forgiveness extends inward as well. By embracing God’s grace for our own failures, we become more able to extend that same grace to others, living as people of hope and resilience.

** [49:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:20] - Theme Introduction: Till Death Do Us Part
[05:37] - Praying and Acting for Justice
[06:13] - Feeding Ministries and Community Support
[07:35] - Financial Report and Winter Clothing Drive
[08:37] - Food Drive and Ministry Partnerships
[09:33] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[10:00] - Entering into Worship
[35:15] - Talking with Children about Death
[36:24] - Remembering Uncle John
[39:36] - Family Stories and the Impact of Death
[41:21] - Serving One Another in Christ
[42:35] - Living with the Perspective of Death
[45:32] - Kindness and Forgiveness
[46:08] - The Treasure Hunter’s Story
[49:36] - Embracing Grace and Blessing One Another
[72:30] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) — > Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 4:32, what three qualities does Paul urge believers to show toward one another?
In the sermon, what changes were noticed in Uncle John as he neared the end of his life? [40:30]
What was unique about the way the treasure hunter, Dale Clifton Jr., handled the treasures he found? [48:46]
How does the sermon describe the way our words can impact others? [45:17]

Interpretation Questions

Why might Paul connect kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness together in one verse? What does this suggest about how these qualities work together in Christian community?
The sermon says, “Death is not simply an end, but a powerful teacher that can soften our rough edges and deepen our compassion.” How does facing mortality change the way people treat others? [40:30]
The story of the treasure hunter was used as a parable. What does it mean to see people as “treasures to be cherished” rather than things to be collected or used? [48:46]
The pastor mentioned the importance of being kind to ourselves when we make mistakes. Why is self-kindness necessary for extending grace to others? [49:36]

Application Questions

Think of a time when you were reminded of life’s brevity—maybe through a loss or a close call. Did it change the way you treated people around you? If so, how? If not, what might you do differently next time? [40:30]
Paul says to “forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven you.” Is there someone in your life you struggle to forgive? What would it look like to take a small step toward forgiveness this week? [45:44]
The sermon challenges us to use our words to build others up. Can you recall a recent conversation where your words either lifted someone or tore them down? What could you do differently in a similar situation? [45:17]
The treasure hunter found joy in sharing his discoveries. What is one resource, talent, or story you have that you could share with someone this week? How might that reflect God’s generosity? [48:46]
The pastor talked about being kind to ourselves after making mistakes. Is there an area where you are especially hard on yourself? What would it look like to show yourself the same grace you would offer a friend? [49:36]
The sermon said, “It’s not too late to live as God calls us to live.” Is there a relationship or habit in your life that you want to approach differently in light of this message? What is one step you can take this week? [41:47]
When you think about the legacy you want to leave, what is one value or practice you hope people remember about you? How can you start living that out more intentionally now? [40:52]

Sermon Clips

There's something about death. And I want to tell you. It's not too late. It's not too late to live as God calls us to live. As Jesus died and was raised again to give us the courage and the fearlessness to live. [00:41:40] (18 seconds) #CourageToLive

Be angry, Paul writes. But without sin. In other words, don't let your anger control you. Let your anger inform you. And then, make the kind of choices that you always make. In the light of Christ's love. [00:44:01] (17 seconds) #SpeakTruthInLove

Giving materially. And it's interesting how Paul says, that's the reason we work. That's the reason we labor. In order to have things to give to other people. Boy, wouldn't that be something if we lived in that kind of perspective. Not to work in order to pile up stuff that when we die, we give away. All of it, by the way. Not a dime for ourselves. Death brings with it a different kind of perspective in terms of giving. [00:44:23] (34 seconds) #AngerWithoutSin

Not to work in order to pile up stuff that when we die, we give away. All of it, by the way. Not a dime for ourselves. Death brings with it a different kind of perspective in terms of giving. [00:44:38] (19 seconds) #LiveFearlessly

The other kind of lifting up, I alluded to it a moment before. Is not to put people down, either in front of them. Or especially. Behind their backs. But to speak the kind of language that lifts and builds people up. That gives people hope. That's the power of your words. And my words. Wherever we are. Oh, that we could live with such perspective. [00:45:07] (25 seconds) #FearlessFulfillment

But to speak the kind of language that lifts and builds people up. That gives people hope. That's the power of your words. And my words. Wherever we are. Oh, that we could live with such perspective. [00:45:17] (15 seconds) #GivingPerspective

And then he closes with this. And this was our key verse, right? Be kind to one another. This is the one another series. So that's how I made the series, by the way. Be kind to one another. And forgive. Forgive as Christ has forgiven you. And it's not too late. [00:45:32] (19 seconds) #WordsThatLift

Death is what we do a lot of as part of the church. We do life too, and resurrection, and eternal life, and God's kingdom, and love that never ends. [01:11:15] (71 seconds) #AppreciateYourTreasure

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