Text: Titus 3:1-7
Introduction:
We have an interesting year coming up. 2021 promises to be polarizing as individuals dig into their own personal opinions concerning the virus, masks, the vaccine, our Presidential election and the list goes on.
o Now, more than ever, the Church needs to demonstrate the love of God to the world.
• I want to spend a few moments today talking about kindness.
o What is it?
o How do we practice it?
o If I’m kind, does that mean I’m weak etc.?
• Kindness - <chrestotes> morally excellent, gentle and good (an action word!)
I. Let’s recap the verse. Read from verses Titus 3:3-7.
A. Look at the state of man by their own admission. (Verse 3)
B. Now look at God’s response. (Verse 4)
C. The conclusion of the matter is found in (verses 5-7)
Kindness is a powerful attribute and is very advantageous to those who are mature enough to allow it to have its perfect work in their lives.
II. How do I practice Kindness? First of all, USE KIND WORDS.
A. Speaking kind words gives you power. (Gen. 50:21, II. Chron. 10:7, Jer. 52:32)
B. Speaking kind words can change the severity of any situation.
1. Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 25:15
2. Proverbs 31:26 - the law of kindness. What's in your tongue?
C. Using kind words is an attribute that is developed with the help of the Lord.
1. No one is “naturally kind”. We are taught to be kind. (somebody taught you to share etc. It was against your born nature)
2. Some people were never taught to be kind and kindness is a trait that they have had to develop in their adulthood.
III. There are many instances of kindness in the Bible. Let’s look at a few!
OLD TESTAMENT
A. Exodus 2:16-22 - There were seven daughters of Reuel (Jethro - the priests of Midian) who were tending their father’s sheep. Shepherds kept driving them from the well and Moses fought them off. In this manner he displayed kindness to the ladies. His reward… A Wife - yikes! (Zipporah)
B. Ruth 2:16 - The story of Ruth. (Handfuls of Purpose)
C. II. Samuel 9:1 - David looking for someone left of Saul’s house “that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake” (He found Mephibosheth – Jonathan’s son)
NEW TESTAMENT
D. Luke 10:34 - The Good Samaritan
E. Acts 16:33 - The Philippian Jailer. (He washed Paul and Silas’ stripes and fed them)
F. Acts 28:32 - The Barbarians shewed them “no little kindness” (read)
IV. How do I practice kindness? Secondly, DO KIND DEEDS.
A. Romans 12 - This entire chapter is a good gauge to go by.
B. Other Scriptures: Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12
Conclusion:
? Do you want to see dramatic changes in your life? Are you willing to embrace change? Change can’t happen without change! (It’s a tongue twister but it’s true)
? I challenge you this week to practice kindness on a new level. Your life will change for the better.
? Drop the pressure and embrace kindness. I promise (if you continue to embrace the attributes of kindness) you will never be the same again!
? We’ll talk about this some more next week! You’re going to walk at a new level! You’ll be so glad you changed!
