Showing Kindness

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Col 3:12-13 says: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Notice the words “put on”. God is saying here that when we wake up in morning we ought to get dressed spiritually as well as physically.  We should ask ourselves, “What kind of attitude am I going to put on today?” God says kindness is something we can choose to “put on”.  Kindness is a practical expression of love. It’s visible.

Why should we be kind? If we’re nice to someone they might think, “Why is this person being so nice? What’s in it for him?” On the other hand if we are kind to people they might try to take advantage of us. So kindness is kind of risky.  Despite the risks we are to be kind for two reasons.

I) 1^st, Because God Is Kind To Us.

Romans 2:4 says: “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance & longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?’

We should not think lightly of God’s kindness to us. He has shown us kindness in order that we may seek Him; repent. We should be kind because God is kind to us.

The other reason we should be kind is that…

II) We Want People To Be Kind To Us. We Want To Be Treated Right.

Jesus said: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Do for others what you would want them to do for you. If you’re rude to other people they are going to be rude to you. If you’re kind, most people will want to respond the same way. What does it mean to be a kind person, and how can we become kinder? Let me mention 5 characteristics of a kind person; FIVE WAYS TO BE KIND TO PEOPLE

Be SENSITIVE

1^st, kind people are sensitive to others. Are aware of the needs of those around em. So, become aware of the needs of those around you. Tune in to them. Kindness always starts w/ sensitivity. Phil 2:3-4 says: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Kindness always starts w/ noticing what is going on in other people’s lives. Here’s a fact: Everyone you meet this week needs kindness. The people you meet on the st need kindness; the person sitting next to you needs kindness. Everyone needs kindness. Kindness starts w/ sensitivity.

We find an ex of sensitivity & kindness in the life of King David as recorded in II Sam 9. David was crowned king of Israel; had led Israelites in a series of military victories. King Saul had died. Saul & David had not been the best of friends – in fact, Saul had tried to kill David on several occasions. Yet Jonathan, Saul’s son, & David liked each other dearly; very good friends. David eventually became king. Saul & Jonathan had died. Then David made an unusual request - asked whether there was anyone left in Saul’s family to whom he could be kind. They found Saul’s grandson – Jonathan’s son – Mephibosheth was still alive. Was crippled in both feet because of an accident when he was 5. So David sent for Mephibosheth.  Mephibosheth probably thought, ‘I am going to be killed because I am Saul’s grandson.’ But here’s what happened: David said to him, " Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” (II Sam. 9:7) Mephibosheth’s response is interesting (8) – “he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” Apparently had a poor self-image. A cripple. Discouraged & down. But David actively looked for Saul’s family members in order to be kind to them. Be sensitive to those who are hurting. Next:

Be SUPPORTIVE

A 2^nd characteristic exhibited by kind people is supportiveness.  Bldg people up rather than tearing em down. Watch what you say to people; Be supportive in your speech. Speak kindly. Prov 15:1- “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Nobody likes to be put down. Children say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Baloney! Names do hurt! Labels hurt! In fact, the Bible says that death & life are in the power of the tongue.  You can destroy others w/ what you say to them. So build people up w/ your words. Give everyone you meet an emotional lift. Encourage them. Be supportive.

Proverbs 3:3 says: “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:” Are you that kind of person? It should be our manner at all times. How supportive are you in speaking to others? Do you encourage or discourage w/ your words? Do you lift up or tear down? Let’s be kind all the time.

Joseph is a good ex of a man who was kind. Everything seemed to go wrong in Joseph’s life. Brothers treated him like dirt. Put him in a pit; sold him into slavery. Everything seemed to go wrong during the 1^st 30 yrs of his life: Was falsely accused of adultery, put into prison, the victim of broken promises. But later the tables were turned & Joseph became 2ng in command in all of Egypt. His brothers come to him on bended knee & at that time Joseph had the opportunity to retaliate, get even. But Bible says Joseph reassured them & spoke kindly to them. Kind works build a bridge. Harsh words can tear it down. A Christian ought to speak kindly even when given the opportunity to retaliate. Number 3:

Be SYMPATHETIC

A kind person is sympathetic. If you want to be kind – learn to be sympathetic. People appreciate it when you sympathize w/ them, when you grieve w/ them & hurt w/ them. Many times when someone is experiencing a crisis, other people say, “We feel so awkward. We just don’t know what to say at times like this.” Don’t have to say anything. Just being there is an expression of kindness. Sometimes a tear, a pat on the back, or a grasp of the hand is all a hurting person needs. That is kindness. Rom 12:15 says: “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

The shortest vs in Bible is only two words - “Jesus wept.” John 11:35.  Jesus went to a friend’s house & there he was confronted w/ the fact that his friend was dead.  His response was simple, natural.  “Jesus wept.” Why is the King of kings and Lord of lords  crying? He who holds the power of life in His hands wept, Perhaps he was teaching us: "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” (Rom 12;15)

He was being sympathetic; showing kindness. If you want to know what kindness is like – look at Jesus. No matter how many Bible verses you have memorized or how oft you go to church – if you are not kind – you are not like Jesus. So learn to be a kind person by being sensitive, supportive, and sympathetic.  Next:

Be STRAIGHTFORWARD

A kind person is also straightforward; candid.  Telling the truth. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is to be frank & tell them exactly where he or she is wrong. Prov 27:6: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” A real friend will level w/ you.  Suppose a doctor examines you, finds something seriously wrong, and then says either “You must have surgery” or “Relax and don’t worry about it.” Which is kinder statement? If you need surgery, the kind thing is for the doctor to tell you that you need it. Sometimes kindness means being straightforward.

In Gal. 2 we find an int story.  Peter was visiting the ch at Antioch which was made up largely of Gentile Christians.  He was enjoying their fellowship and having a nice time w/ them. But one day some Jewish Chrs came down from Jerusalem to Antioch & Peter pulled away from the Gentile Chris. When Paul saw this he said to Peter, “Peter, you are being a hypocrite. What you are doing is wrong. You need to treat all Christians the same – whether they come from Jewish background or Gentile background – it makes no difference.” Remember Paul wrote: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal 3:28 Paul cared for Peter & he knew that Peter had crossed the line – so he confronted him face to face. Was straightforward w/ Peter.  And:

Be SPONTANEOUS

If you want to be kind, learn to be spontaneous.  Do not wait to show kindness.  Do it while you have the opportunity.  Do it now. Be spontaneous. Gal 6:10: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” When should we be kind? Whenever we have the opportunity.

The classic ex of spontaneous kindness in Scripture is the story of the Good Samaritan.  A man was beaten by robbers & left naked & half dead on the side of the rd.  A priest came along, looked at him, and said, “I don’t want to be near that guy. I would be defiled.”  Another religious leader came along later & walked right on past.  But a Samaritan came by – a person considered by the Jews to be of an inferior race.  Bound up man’s wounds – took him to the nearest inn – pd for the man to stay there.  Told the inn keeper, “Take care of him & charge it to my acct. I’ll stop by on my way back & pay for it.”  Didn’t think twice. Spontaneous.

Are all kinds of people around us who are hurting physically,  emotionally, spiritually.  BE KIND TO SOMEONE. Our world is filled with people who need kindness.  One of the fruits of Spirit is kindness.