July 16, 2017

Try a Little Kindness

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Developing Spiritual Character Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23, Ephesians 4:32

Developing Spiritual Character:

Try A Little Kindness:

Galatians 5:22-23 & Ephesians 4:32

Kindness: Love In Action

(To download and print blank sermon notes to complete while you listen, click HERE.)

Why Should I Be Kind?

  1. God is kind to us

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.

(Luke 6:35)

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?” (Romans 2:4)

  1. God Commands it

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

  1. It is how we want to be Treated

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

  1. We have Benefitted from the kindness of others

May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus." (2 Timothy 1:16–18)

How Can I Display Kindness?

  1. Be Sensitive

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

Everyone you meet this week needs kindness

Example: David in 2 Samuel 9

  1. Be Supportive

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)

Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.” (Proverbs 15:4, The Message)

Build people up rather than tearing them down!

  1. Be Sympathetic

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

Strong people are strong enough to be sympathetic

  1. Be Straightforward

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6)

What is the most loving thing to do in this situation?

Sometimes the answer is Comfort, sometimes the answer is Confront

Two Key Questions:

  • Am I really committed to this person’s best interest?
  • Am I making a “hit and run,” or am I going to be a part of the process of change?
  1. Be Spontaneous

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Good intentions don’t count – We have to get around to it!

Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)

  • Kindness always Costs
  • Busyness is a top contributor to our lack of expressing kindness

Who will you show kindness to this week?

How will you demonstrate kindness to them this week?

 

 

Making It Personal:

  • Have you allowed the kindness of God to lead you to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone as your Lord and Savior?
  • Who will you show kindness to this week?
  • How will you demonstrate kindness to them this week?

 

other sermons in this series

Aug 13

2017

Being Meek Without Being Weak

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Galatians 5:23–24, Matthew 11:29 Series: Developing Spiritual Character

Aug 6

2017

You Can Count on Me

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23, Matthew 25:14–30 Series: Developing Spiritual Character

Jul 30

2017

Living the Good Life

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23, Mark 10:17–18 Series: Developing Spiritual Character