Transforming Hearts: The Power of Kindness and Goodness

In the midst of whatever circumstances we face, there is a deep and abiding joy and hope found in the presence of God. Gathering together, we are reminded that God’s love is not just a distant idea, but a living reality that can pierce even the hardest places in our hearts. From the youngest to the oldest, we are invited to let this love move us toward surrender, to know that God journeys with us, and to sense His nearness and care.

Turning to Galatians 5, we see that the Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and more. Kindness and goodness are not separate or optional; they are intertwined, growing together as evidence of a life surrendered to Jesus. Kindness is goodness expressed—active, visible, and tangible. It is the outflow of a heart saturated by the goodness of God. This is not about mere moral decency or good behavior, but about a deep transformation of the soul, a renovation that aligns our desires with God’s own heart.

God’s goodness is not just something He does; it is who He is. From creation to redemption, Scripture reveals a God whose very nature is good, who pursues us with goodness and mercy. When we turn to Him, the Holy Spirit plants this goodness in us, beginning a process of transformation that changes our desires, our outlook, and our actions. Like restoring an old table, God sands away the rough edges of our old selves, revealing the beauty of His character within us.

As God’s heart is cultivated in us, it cannot remain hidden. It overflows into kindness—God’s hands at work through us. This kindness is not just being nice; it is active goodness, serving others, extending grace, forgiving, and showing generosity, even when it is difficult or undeserved. The transformation of our hearts leads to a transformation of our hands.

Ultimately, this process leads to visible Christlikeness. Our lives become a reflection of Jesus, shining His light in a world desperate for true goodness and kindness. The goal is not to be well-behaved Christians, but to be so transformed by the Spirit that people catch a glimpse of Jesus in us. In our ordinary, everyday lives, may we be people whose cultivated goodness and expressed kindness point others to the hope found in Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s goodness is not merely an action but His very nature, and He desires to plant that same goodness deep within us. This is not about striving for good behavior, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to renovate our souls, aligning our desires with God’s own heart. True transformation begins when we surrender our old ways and let God’s goodness take root in us. [35:18]
• 2. Kindness and goodness are inseparable fruits of the Spirit; where one is found, the other naturally grows. Kindness is the visible, active expression of the goodness God has cultivated in our hearts, moving us beyond passive belief to tangible acts of compassion, service, and grace. This is the Spirit’s work—turning inward transformation into outward action. [24:21]
• 3. The process of spiritual renovation is ongoing and often uncomfortable, much like sanding down an old table to reveal its beauty. God patiently works in us, removing the rough edges of pride, selfishness, and bitterness, and replacing them with His purity and uprightness. We are invited to regularly ask the Spirit where further renovation is needed, trusting that God’s work in us is for our good and His glory. [41:22]
• 4. Expressed kindness is not limited to those who deserve it or to moments when it is easy. The Spirit-empowered kindness calls us to serve, forgive, and show generosity even when it stretches us or costs us something. This kind of kindness is a powerful testimony to the world, revealing the heart of God through our actions and attitudes. [48:25]
• 5. The ultimate aim of this Spirit-formed life is visible Christlikeness—living in such a way that others see Jesus in us. Our words, actions, and responses become shaped by His mercy, grace, and love, so that our lives emit the light of Christ. In a world hungry for authentic goodness, we are called to be living reflections of Jesus, pointing others to the hope and fullness found in Him. [51:57]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [03:40] - Call to Worship and Psalm 95
• [16:48] - Prayer for God’s Love to Pierce Our Hearts
• [18:51] - Blessing Over the Children
• [20:26] - Word Association Game: Things That Go Together
• [22:05] - Kindness and Goodness: Fruits That Grow Together
• [23:38] - Cultivated and Called: Series Overview
• [24:21] - Kindness as Goodness Expressed
• [31:13] - The Nature of God’s Goodness
• [35:18] - God’s Goodness Revealed in Scripture
• [39:19] - The Renovation of Our Souls
• [43:57] - Expressed Kindness: God’s Hands Through Us
• [44:35] - The Grinch: A Parable of Heart Change
• [47:47] - Overflowing Kindness: The Aroma of Christ
• [51:04] - Visible Christlikeness: Shining Jesus to the World
• [55:13] - Invitation to Surrender and Reflection
• [57:34] - Prayer for Renewal and Closing Worship

Bible Reading

Galatians 5:22-25 (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. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Psalm 23:6 (ESV) — > Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Matthew 5:16 (ESV) — > 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.

Observation Questions

1. In Galatians 5, what are the fruits of the Spirit that Paul lists, and how are kindness and goodness described in relation to each other? [27:49]
2. According to Psalm 23:6, what does the Psalmist say will follow him all the days of his life?
3. In Matthew 5:16, what does Jesus say is the purpose of letting your light shine before others?
4. The sermon described kindness as “goodness expressed.” What are some examples given of how this looks in everyday life? [48:25]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that God’s goodness is not just something He does, but who He is. How does this understanding of God’s nature affect the way we see our own transformation? [35:18]
2. Why do you think Paul places kindness and goodness side by side in the list of the Spirit’s fruit? What does it mean that they “grow together”? [22:05]
3. The pastor compared God’s work in us to sanding down an old table. What does this process of “spiritual renovation” look like in real life, and why might it be uncomfortable? [41:22]
4. The sermon said, “The goal is not to be well-behaved Christians, but to be so transformed by the Spirit that people catch a glimpse of Jesus in us.” What does this look like practically? [51:57]

Application Questions

1. The pastor asked, “What areas of your life still need the Spirit’s renovation?” Is there a specific part of your heart or behavior where you sense God wants to do some “sanding” or transformation? What would it look like to invite Him into that process this week? [43:12]
2. Kindness is described as “active goodness”—serving, forgiving, and showing generosity even when it’s hard. Think of a recent situation where it was difficult to be kind. How could you respond differently next time, letting God’s goodness overflow through you? [48:25]
3. The sermon challenged us to move beyond just “being nice” to letting God’s heart shape our actions. Is there someone in your life right now who needs to see God’s kindness through you, even if they don’t “deserve” it? What’s one tangible step you could take this week? [49:12]
4. The pastor used the story of the Grinch to illustrate heart change leading to changed actions. Can you think of a time when a change in your heart led to a change in how you treated someone? What helped bring about that change? [46:10]
5. Jesus said to let your light shine so others see your good works and glorify God. In your ordinary, everyday life (Monday through Saturday), what are some ways you can intentionally reflect Christ’s goodness and kindness to those around you? [51:57]
6. The sermon mentioned that sometimes we try to “manufacture” goodness on our own, instead of letting the Spirit produce it in us. Are there areas where you’re striving in your own strength? How can you practice surrender and depend more on the Holy Spirit? [55:36]
7. If you feel weary or “fatigued” in showing goodness and kindness, what might help you receive a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit? Is there a spiritual practice (prayer, Scripture, worship, etc.) you want to commit to this week to be refreshed? [56:44]