Distinct Kindness in Christ

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)    
     Passage: Psalm 112:1-6

         From 1994-2004, one of the most popular sit-coms on TV was titled, “Friends”. In 2004, one of the most popular movies was titled, “Mean Girls”. The juxtaposition from focusing on people being friends to people being mean was certainly not an intentional commentary on society, but many studies have suggested that Americans are getting meaner with others. One reason is the anonymity of social media allows people to hide behind a computer and writing words that they would probably never say in a face to face interaction.

In contrast to the world, God wants us to display kindness, but His kindness has a distinction deeper than the world can show. The kindness that is a part of the fruit of the Spirit is distinct in its source. It is the kindness of Christ in you. This kindness is also distinct in its motivation. While people in the world can choose to be kind because they know kindness makes them feel better and it helps our communities and the world be better, the kindness of Christ has a motivation to lead people to follow Him. Our motivation as believers should be for our kindness to glorify God and help bring people to Christ. Set your heart to let the kindness of Christ be experienced through you.    

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)