Transforming Culture Through Acts of Kindness

 

Summary

In today's world, we are witnessing a pervasive virus of meanness, incivility, and cancel culture that has become normalized in our society. This cultural dysphoria is evident in our interactions on social media, television, and even in personal relationships. However, God offers a remedy for this societal ailment: kindness. As followers of Christ, we are called to model the kindness that God has shown us, becoming conduits of His love rather than cul-de-sacs that hoard it. This kindness is not just a superficial nicety but a profound expression of God's character, as seen in scriptures like Titus 3:1-8 and Romans 2:4, where kindness leads to repentance and transformation.

The concept of kindness is deeply embedded in the Bible, with the Hebrew word "hesed" representing God's loving-kindness and loyalty. As Christians, we are expected to reflect this divine kindness in our interactions, creating an atmosphere that is inviting and transformative. This is the essence of the "Kindness in the Culture" campaign, which encourages believers to perform acts of kindness, pray for those they help, and share their faith. By doing so, we not only meet immediate needs but also point people towards eternal hope in Christ.

The campaign was inspired by the realization that our culture's meanness was infiltrating even the church, as seen in the racial and political strife following events like the death of George Floyd. To counteract this, we must create a different atmosphere, much like how Chick-fil-A offers not just good chicken but an extraordinary experience. Our goal is to make the message of Christ winsome through acts of kindness that are infused with the love and truth of God.

By engaging in good works—distinct from mere good deeds—we attach God's name to our actions, making them a testimony of His love. This approach not only addresses temporal needs but also aims to change destinies by inviting people into a relationship with Christ. As we partner together in this mission, we can transform our culture, one act of kindness at a time, without compromising our commitment to God's Word and Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- The Virus of Meanness: Our culture is plagued by a virus of meanness and incivility, but God offers kindness as a remedy. As Christians, we are called to model God's kindness, becoming conduits of His love in a world that desperately needs it. [03:33]

- Biblical Foundation of Kindness: Kindness is a core attribute of God's character, as seen in scriptures like Titus 3 and Romans 2. It is through kindness that we can lead others to repentance and transformation, reflecting God's love in our actions. [06:00]

- Creating a Different Atmosphere: Just as Chick-fil-A offers an extraordinary experience beyond good chicken, we must create an inviting atmosphere for the message of Christ through acts of kindness. This approach makes our faith winsome and attractive. [10:10]

- Good Works vs. Good Deeds: Good works are distinct from good deeds because they have God clearly attached to them. By performing acts of kindness in God's name, we not only meet immediate needs but also point people towards eternal hope in Christ. [14:32]

- Transforming Culture Through Kindness: The "Kindness in the Culture" campaign encourages believers to perform acts of kindness, pray for those they help, and share their faith. This approach aims to transform our culture, one act of kindness at a time, without compromising our commitment to God's Word. [17:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction of Dr. Tony Evans
- [01:18] - Gratitude and Vision
- [02:46] - Building a Culture of Kindness
- [03:33] - The Virus of Meanness
- [04:35] - Biblical Foundation of Kindness
- [06:00] - Kindness in Scripture
- [07:24] - The Hanging Tree Illustration
- [08:34] - Kindness Leading to Repentance
- [09:52] - The Importance of Atmosphere
- [10:26] - The Kindness Campaign
- [11:15] - Acts of Kindness and Prayer
- [12:44] - Stories of Kindness
- [14:32] - Good Works vs. Good Deeds
- [17:26] - Transforming Culture Through Kindness
- [19:08] - The Chick-fil-A Experience
- [19:55] - Conclusion and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Kindness in the Culture

Bible Reading:
- Titus 3:1-8
- Romans 2:4
- 1 Corinthians 13:4

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Titus 3:1-8, what are the characteristics that believers are encouraged to exhibit in their interactions with others? How does this relate to the concept of kindness discussed in the sermon? [04:35]

2. In Romans 2:4, how is God's kindness described as leading to repentance? What does this suggest about the power of kindness in transforming lives? [06:00]

3. The sermon mentions the Hebrew word "hesed" as a representation of God's loving-kindness and loyalty. How is this concept of "hesed" reflected in the actions and attitudes of believers? [06:30]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the difference between good works and good deeds? How does this distinction impact the way Christians are called to act? [14:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that kindness can counteract the "virus of meanness" in our culture? What role do Christians play in this transformation? [03:33]

2. The sermon compares the atmosphere created by acts of kindness to the experience offered by Chick-fil-A. How does this analogy help us understand the importance of creating a welcoming environment for sharing the message of Christ? [19:08]

3. In what ways does the "Kindness in the Culture" campaign aim to transform society? How does this align with the biblical call to be conduits of God's love? [17:26]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the impact of kindness on both the giver and the receiver? What does this reveal about the nature of true Christian service? [12:44]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent interaction where you encountered meanness or incivility. How could you have responded with kindness in that situation? What might have been the outcome? [03:33]

2. The sermon encourages believers to perform acts of kindness for strangers. Identify a specific act of kindness you can perform this week for someone you don't know. How will you incorporate prayer and sharing your faith into this act? [11:15]

3. Consider the atmosphere you create in your daily interactions. How can you make your environment more inviting and reflective of Christ's love, similar to the Chick-fil-A experience mentioned in the sermon? [19:08]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of attaching God's name to our good works. How can you ensure that your actions clearly reflect your faith and point others to Christ? [14:32]

5. Think about a time when you received kindness from someone else. How did it impact you, and how can you use that experience to motivate your own acts of kindness? [12:44]

6. The sermon discusses the need for a different atmosphere in the church, especially in light of recent societal conflicts. How can you contribute to creating a more loving and unified church community? [09:52]

7. Identify a person in your life who may be struggling with feelings of hopelessness. What specific steps can you take to offer them kindness and point them towards the hope found in Christ? [17:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Kindness as a Remedy for Cultural Meanness
In a world where meanness and incivility have become pervasive, kindness stands as a divine remedy. This cultural dysphoria is evident in our interactions on social media, television, and even in personal relationships. As followers of Christ, we are called to model the kindness that God has shown us, becoming conduits of His love rather than cul-de-sacs that hoard it. This kindness is not just a superficial nicety but a profound expression of God's character, as seen in scriptures like Titus 3:1-8 and Romans 2:4, where kindness leads to repentance and transformation. [03:33]

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you responded with frustration or anger. How can you revisit that situation with kindness today?


Day 2: Kindness as a Reflection of God's Character
Kindness is a core attribute of God's character, deeply embedded in the Bible. The Hebrew word "hesed" represents God's loving-kindness and loyalty. As Christians, we are expected to reflect this divine kindness in our interactions, creating an atmosphere that is inviting and transformative. It is through kindness that we can lead others to repentance and transformation, reflecting God's love in our actions. [06:00]

"Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart." (Zechariah 7:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a person in your life who needs to experience God's kindness through you. What specific action can you take today to show them this kindness?


Day 3: Creating an Inviting Atmosphere Through Kindness
Just as Chick-fil-A offers an extraordinary experience beyond good chicken, we must create an inviting atmosphere for the message of Christ through acts of kindness. This approach makes our faith winsome and attractive. By engaging in good works—distinct from mere good deeds—we attach God's name to our actions, making them a testimony of His love. [10:10]

"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them." (Romans 12:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your home or workplace. How can you create an atmosphere that reflects the love and kindness of Christ in these spaces?


Day 4: Distinguishing Good Works from Good Deeds
Good works are distinct from good deeds because they have God clearly attached to them. By performing acts of kindness in God's name, we not only meet immediate needs but also point people towards eternal hope in Christ. This approach not only addresses temporal needs but also aims to change destinies by inviting people into a relationship with Christ. [14:32]

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent act of kindness you performed. How can you ensure that your future acts of kindness clearly point others to God?


Day 5: Transforming Culture One Act of Kindness at a Time
The "Kindness in the Culture" campaign encourages believers to perform acts of kindness, pray for those they help, and share their faith. This approach aims to transform our culture, one act of kindness at a time, without compromising our commitment to God's Word. By engaging in this mission, we can transform our culture, one act of kindness at a time. [17:26]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific act of kindness you can commit to doing this week that could have a transformative impact on someone else's life?

Quotes


In today's world, we are witnessing a pervasive virus of meanness, incivility, and cancel culture that has become normalized in our society. This cultural dysphoria is evident in our interactions on social media, television, and even in personal relationships. However, God offers a remedy for this societal ailment: kindness. [00:03:33]

The concept of kindness is threaded throughout scripture in a number of different ways. We are told, for example, in Romans 2:4 that it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. We're told in First Corinthians 13:4 that one of the chief characteristics of love is love is kind. [00:06:00]

One of the expectations of God is that God's people, in particular, will model the kindness that he possesses, that he has given to us, turning us into conduits of kindness and not cul-de-sacs of kindness. A cul-de-sac you can go to, but you can't get through. A conduit flows to others. [00:06:42]

The idea of the kindness campaign is to affect the atmosphere, to affect the atmosphere in such a way that from God's people leading the charge with kindness without compromising truth, we're able to change the trajectory of a culture that is declining at warp speed. [00:10:26]

To do what the Bible calls good works, the good works that's different than good things. Sinners can do good things. Atheists can build hospitals, orphanages, can feed the poor. You can reject the notion of God and do good things. So the Bible does not encourage us to do good things; it encourages us to do good works. [00:14:32]

The difference between a good thing and a good work is that a good work always has God clearly attached to it. It always is integrated with our faith in him. It benefits people, but it benefits people in God's name. And so our faith becomes attached. [00:14:47]

Our goal as Christians is to do good work, but our ultimate goal is to change people's destiny, and that's why evangelism is tied to the concept of kindness in the culture, because we want to help people temporally, but we also want to invite them for help eternally. [00:17:18]

We have a great product, so to speak, in our common faith, and our God, and in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We just want to make sure that the atmosphere in which the offer is given is winsome, and nothing can do that better than kindness. [00:19:48]

The kindness campaign encourages believers to perform acts of kindness, pray for those they help, and share their faith. This approach aims to transform our culture, one act of kindness at a time, without compromising our commitment to God's Word. [00:17:26]

Kindness can lead to repentance, which is a change of mind and a change of thought leading to a change of action. It can, if done right and consistently, affect and impact the environment in which we live, work, play, raise families that have now become contaminated with meanness. [00:08:34]

When George Floyd was killed, and we saw the meanness, the racial conflict, when we saw the political strife, and people in both parties eating at each other, and even Christians becoming divided not only in perspective but in relationship over this, it occurred to me that we need a different atmosphere. [00:09:52]

The campaign was inspired by the realization that our culture's meanness was infiltrating even the church, as seen in the racial and political strife following events like the death of George Floyd. To counteract this, we must create a different atmosphere. [00:17:26]

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Transcript
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