Transformative Kindness: Reflecting God's Heart in Action

Kindness is often celebrated in our world, but the kindness that God calls us to is something deeper and more transformative than simply being nice. Using the cherry as a symbol, we see that kindness, like cherries, is sweet and often found in small acts, best when shared, memorable in its season, and the perfect finishing touch in our interactions. Small gestures—a smile, a note, a prayer—can have a profound impact, reflecting the heart of Christ to those around us. But true kindness, the kind that is a fruit of the Spirit, is not just about being pleasant; it is rooted in the very character of God.

God’s kindness is not merely a human niceness but is tied to His excellence and perfection. Scripture teaches that God, being absolutely perfect, demands perfection from us. This is not because He is harsh or narcissistic, but because His standard is rooted in His own flawless nature. The law, then, is not a ladder to climb to reach God, but a mirror that reveals our need for grace. We cannot achieve perfection on our own, and the law exposes our inability, driving us to recognize our desperate need for a Savior.

This is where the kindness of God shines brightest. While we were still sinners—enemies of God—He sent Jesus, fully God and fully human, to live the perfect life we could not and to offer Himself as the way to God. God’s kindness is compassionate, undeserved, and eternal. It is not based on our merit but on His mercy. Through Jesus, we are offered forgiveness and new life, not because of our righteous acts, but because of His loving kindness.

As recipients of this divine kindness, we are commanded to extend it to others. This means more than just being nice to those we like; it means showing kindness even to those who are difficult or antagonistic. Practical steps include starting small, being intentional, extending forgiveness, using gracious words, and serving others tangibly. In the context of our church, this also means finding ways to serve and use our spiritual gifts for the good of the community, creating space for others to encounter Jesus. Ultimately, our acts of kindness are not just good deeds—they are a reflection of the kindness God has shown us, and a means by which others can experience His love and truth.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Kindness Reflects God’s Heart, Not Just Human Niceness True kindness is more than being pleasant or polite; it is rooted in the character of God. While the world may agree that kindness is good, the kindness God calls us to is a fruit of the Spirit, reflecting His own excellence and compassion. Our acts of kindness should point others to the heart of Christ, not just to our own good nature. [10:21]
• 2. God’s Standard of Perfection Reveals Our Need for Grace God, being absolutely perfect, demands perfection—not out of harshness, but because His standard is Himself. The law was never meant to be a checklist for us to achieve perfection, but a mirror to show us our inability and our need for grace. This realization humbles us and drives us to seek the only hope we have: Jesus Christ. [23:11]
• 3. God’s Kindness Is Most Evident When We Least Deserve It The kindness of God is not a reward for our goodness, but a gift given while we were still sinners and even enemies of God. His kindness is compassionate, undeserved, and eternal, demonstrated supremely in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This challenges us to extend kindness even to those who are difficult or antagonistic toward us. [28:39]
• 4. Kindness Is Commanded and Requires Intentionality We are not merely encouraged to be kind; we are commanded to do so, following the example of Christ. This means being intentional—starting with small gestures, making eye contact, offering encouragement, and especially extending forgiveness, which is one of the most Christlike acts of kindness. Kindness is not always easy, but it is always worth it, both for others and for our own souls. [31:56]
• 5. Serving Others Is a Tangible Expression of Kindness and Spiritual Gifts Kindness is not just an attitude but is expressed in tangible acts of service. Each believer is gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve in unique ways, and when we use these gifts, we create space for others to encounter Jesus. Serving in the church is not about filling a slot, but about participating in God’s work of grace and kindness in the lives of others. [39:24]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:27] - Opening Prayer and Setting the Tone
• [01:09] - Introduction to the Fruit of the Spirit
• [02:15] - Kindness and the Cherry Analogy
• [03:37] - Varieties of Cherries and Their Significance
• [05:07] - Sweetness and Smallness: The Power of Small Acts
• [05:41] - Kindness Is Best Shared, Not Hoarded
• [07:48] - Kindness as Seasonal and Memorable
• [08:32] - Kindness as the “Cherry on Top”
• [10:21] - The Difference Between Human and God’s Kindness
• [11:11] - Romans 2: God’s Judgment and Truth
• [14:53] - God’s Absolute Truth and Perfect Judgment
• [16:48] - God’s Kindness Leads to Repentance
• [18:10] - God’s Perfection and Our Inability
• [23:11] - The Law as a Mirror, Not a Ladder
• [25:27] - Jesus: Our Only Hope for Perfection
• [28:15] - God’s Kindness in Salvation
• [31:41] - The Command to Be Kind
• [34:07] - Practical Ways to Show Kindness
• [37:08] - Serving Others: Arrows Out
• [39:24] - Using Spiritual Gifts to Serve
• [41:25] - Kindness Creates Space for Encountering Jesus
• [42:56] - Closing Prayer and Sending Out

Bible Reading

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.

Romans 2:1-4 (ESV) — > Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who do such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

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

Observation Questions

1. In Romans 2:4, what does Paul say is the purpose of God’s kindness?
2. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what is the source of true kindness?
3. The sermon used cherries as a symbol for kindness. What are some of the qualities of cherries that were compared to kindness? ([05:07])
4. In Ephesians 4:32, what two actions are paired with kindness?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon said that God’s kindness is not just “niceness,” but is rooted in His excellence and perfection. How does this understanding change the way we think about being kind? ([17:40])
2. Why is it important to see the law as a mirror rather than a ladder, and how does this relate to our need for grace? ([23:11])
3. The sermon mentioned that God’s kindness is most evident when we least deserve it. How does this challenge the way we show kindness to people who are difficult or antagonistic toward us? ([28:39])
4. Why do you think Paul commands us to be kind and forgiving, rather than just suggesting it as a good idea? ([31:56])

Application Questions

1. The sermon gave practical ideas for showing kindness, like smiling, making eye contact, and offering encouragement. Which of these comes easiest to you, and which is hardest? Why? ([34:07])
2. Think of a time when someone showed you a small act of kindness that made a big difference. How did it impact you? How can you do something similar for someone else this week? ([05:07])
3. The pastor challenged us to show kindness to either 10 people we like or 1 person we don’t. Which option would be harder for you, and why? ([32:10])
4. Forgiveness was described as the hardest and most Christlike act of kindness. Is there someone you need to forgive? What is holding you back, and what would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness? ([35:19])
5. The sermon said that serving others is a tangible way to express kindness and use our spiritual gifts. Are you currently serving in any way at church or in your community? If not, what is one area where you could start? ([39:24])
6. The cherry analogy included the idea that kindness is “best shared, not hoarded.” Are there ways you tend to keep kindness to yourself instead of sharing it? What would it look like to be more generous with kindness this week? ([05:41])
7. God’s kindness led us to repentance and new life in Jesus. How can your acts of kindness point others to Jesus, rather than just making you look like a “nice person”? ([10:21])