Weekly Lesson 49

BEING KIND

A famous Christian preacher once said, “When God’s people fail to practice kindness, they fail to be God’s people.” Kindness shows respect for every person as one who is created in God’s image. It is a way of showing respect to God himself.

God’s word says, “Love is kind…” 1 Corinthians 13:4. It is incredible how cruel and unkind people can be, not just to their family but especially to other people. How are we ever going to be like Jesus if we are not kind to others?

Imagine the church as a team, and all Christians and non-Christians groups are other teams. Now suppose there is a big scoreboard. On it are scores that show how kind and loving everyone is. If we were to look at the scoreboard of how we are doing in fulfilling the work of seeking and saving the lost, how do you think it would look? Does it look like we are the glorious victorious body of Christ? Do we look like the kingdom of God that Jesus preached? Are we winning others by our love and kindness for one another for the kingdom, as Jesus said? Do you show kindness to those around you? How does your scoreboard appear?

In His, Word God gives us three important things that should be evident in every Christian life. They are faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is Love! When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment is, you know what he said. Love! First, love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and second, love your neighbor as yourself. God, in His word, lines up the three greatest things in the world they are: Faith, hope, and love. But which one is the greatest? Love, right!

Again, look at the above scripture, it says, “LOVE is kind.”

We read in 1 John 4:7-8, Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Are you starting to see the picture? God is love, and love is kind! We will never be like Jesus if we do not have a passion for others. We will never be like Jesus if we are not kind to one another.

If love is the greatest commandment, and if love is greater than faith and hope, and if love is the description of the God we serve and if love is kind, then we must practice kindness toward each other.

Kindness is the very character of God that makes him want to save you and me. Romans 2:4, Ephesians 2:7, Titus 3:4.

Kindness is the fifth fruit in the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22.

Kindness comes from a heart that has known the grace of God. 1 Peter 2:3.

Kindness, like the other fruit of the Spirit, is an attribute of God. The reason we are to practice kindness is that He practices kindness on us.
Kindness is not a state of mind or a mood; it’s an action. And until it becomes a natural part of who you are, it needs to be an intentional action. Until kind actions flow naturally from you because your heart is filled with kindness, you must practice compassion. Kindness is a serious business. It’s serious because of how God showed kindness to us and what it cost Him. We did not deserve His kindness; He provided it out of the goodness of His heart. When we think about God’s compassion, does it not prove that He will be pleased by the kindness we show to each other. When we practice kindness, we show Jesus to everyone around us. When we take His kindness too lightly by neglecting kindness to others, we do not please Him.

Are you serious about being on God’s team? The Bible is clear on what we are to have in our hearts if we are to be like Jesus. Do we only have His love and kindness while we are at church? Is God satisfied with that?

Do you need help being kind? God will help. Do you know the kindness of the Lord? Has his blood saved you?
 
Go to Romans Road to Salvation and/or Prayer of Rededication

Christ Centered Champions

Christ Centered Champions

We are more than champions through him who loved us. Romans 8:37