"The Power of Kindness: Reflecting Christ’s Love in a Harsh World"
Text: Gal. 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
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Introduction: In the 14th century, during the height of the Black Death, a small village in Europe faced unimaginable despair. The plague had claimed countless lives, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning. Amid this turmoil, a humble pastor remained steadfast in his faith, offering solace and hope to his congregation.
One evening, as the sun set over the desolate landscape, the pastor gathered the remaining villagers in the tiny church. With a calm yet resolute voice, he shared the story of Job—a man who endured profound suffering yet never wavered in his trust in God. He reminded them that, like Job, their faith could be a beacon of light in the darkest of times.
Inspired by the pastor's unwavering belief, the villagers found the strength to support one another, caring for the sick and comforting the grieving. Their shared faith became a source of resilience, enabling them to navigate the harsh realities of their world.
This historical account illustrates that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, faith and community can provide the strength needed to endure and overcome the harshness of the world.
To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens." — F. Scott Fitzgerald
In today’s world, people often strive to prove themselves right, whether in arguments, debates, or conflicts. However, the Bible teaches that love and kindness are more important than being right in every situation. As followers of Christ, we are called to prioritize kindness over winning arguments, demonstrating grace and humility rather than pride and self-righteousness.
HERE ARE SOME KEY TRUTHS TO DEMONSTRATE THIS IDEA:
1. The Example of Jesus
Jesus, our ultimate example, consistently chose kindness over proving Himself right. Though He was the Son of God and had perfect knowledge, He often responded with love rather than engaging in arguments to assert His correctness.
One striking example is found in John 8:1-11, where the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, demanding that He uphold the Law of Moses, which required her to be stoned. Jesus, knowing the law perfectly, could have corrected them with a detailed argument. Instead, He responded with kindness and wisdom:
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).
Rather than condemning the woman, He extended grace and told her, “Go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:11). Jesus demonstrated that kindness and mercy were more powerful than merely proving a point.
2. Love is Greater Than Knowledge
The Apostle Paul reminds us that love should be our highest goal.
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1).
Being right can lead to pride, but love fosters relationships and strengthens others. Even if we have the correct understanding, if we lack love and kindness, our correctness is meaningless. 1 Corinthians 13:2 says:
“If I have all knowledge... but have not love, I am nothing.”
Paul teaches that in matters of faith and daily interactions, love must guide our actions more than the need to be right.
WHAT DOES LOVE GUIDE US TO DO?
• Love Guides Us to Love God Fully: Jesus emphasized the greatest commandment:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind." This commandment calls us to devote ourselves entirely to God, making Him the central focus of our lives. “To live is Christ”
• Love Guides Us to Love Our Neighbors as Ourselves: Alongside loving God, Jesus taught the importance of loving others: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
This principle, often referred to as the Golden Rule, encourages us to treat others with the same respect and kindness we desire for ourselves.
• Love Guides Us to Act with Kindness and Compassion: The Bible encourages believers to embody virtues that reflect love:
"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
This guidance directs us to express our love through tangible acts of kindness and understanding toward others.
In summary, biblical love leads us to:
• Devote ourselves entirely to God.
• Treat others with the same respect and kindness we desire.
• Express our love through tangible acts of kindness and understanding.
3. Kindness Reflects God’s Character
God’s kindness leads people to repentance, not harsh arguments or condemnation. Romans 2:4 says: “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.”
A young boy named Thomas lived in a small village. His family was poor, and he often wore tattered clothes and went without shoes. Despite his circumstances, Thomas had a bright spirit and a kind heart.
One cold winter day, as Thomas walked to school, he noticed a shivering puppy abandoned by the roadside. Without hesitation, he took off his own thin jacket and wrapped it around the puppy, carrying it home to provide warmth and food. His mother, though they had little to spare, admired his compassion and helped him care for the animal.
This simple act of kindness did not go unnoticed. The villagers, moved by Thomas's selflessness despite his own needs, began to offer assistance to his family. They provided clothing, food, and support, inspired by the boy's example.
Thomas's story mirrors the character and love of God. Just as Thomas showed unconditional love and compassion to the helpless puppy, God extends His boundless love and mercy to us, regardless of our circumstances. In 1 John 4:8, we are reminded that "God is love," and through our actions, we can reflect His divine nature.
This illustration encourages us to embody God's character by showing love and kindness to others, even when we face our own challenges. In doing so, we become vessels of His love, inspiring and uplifting those around us.
If God wins hearts through kindness, shouldn’t we do the same? Instead of trying to win debates or prove ourselves right, we should reflect God’s patience and grace.
4. Choosing Humility Over Pride
A key reason people insist on being right is pride. However, the Bible warns against this attitude:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
When we choose kindness over being right, we practice humility. We acknowledge that relationships matter more than personal victories, just as Christ humbled Himself for our sake (Philippians 2:5-8).
5. A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath
Arguments often escalate when both sides refuse to back down. Proverbs gives us a better approach:
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
When we choose kindness over being right, we de-escalate conflict and open the door for reconciliation.
In (2 Samuel 9:1-13) King David exemplifies kindness to someone who seemingly didn't deserve it. After establishing his reign, David sought to honor his deep friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son, by inquiring if any of Jonathan's descendants were still alive. He discovered Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who was crippled in both feet and living in obscurity.
Despite Mephibosheth's grandfather, King Saul, having been David's adversary, David extended grace. He restored to Mephibosheth all the land that had belonged to Saul and invited him to always dine at the king's table, treating him as one of his own sons. This act of kindness was unexpected and extravagant, especially considering the historical enmity.
David's benevolence toward Mephibosheth mirrors God's grace toward us. Even when we feel unworthy or distant, God invites us into His presence, offering love and acceptance not based on our merits but on His boundless compassion.
This narrative challenges us to reflect on our interactions. Are we willing to show kindness to those who may not seem to deserve it? By doing so, we emulate divine love, fostering reconciliation and embodying the true spirit of grace.
Conclusion
While truth is important, the Bible teaches that love and kindness should be our highest priority. Jesus Himself, though always right, often chose mercy over argument. As His followers, we must ask ourselves: Is it more important to win an argument or to show the love of Christ? In choosing kindness over being right, we reflect God’s grace and build stronger relationships. Ultimately, it is love, not knowledge or self-righteousness, that truly changes hearts.
COL. 3:12-15 “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Prayer- Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to prioritize kindness over the desire to be right. Help us embody the spirit of the Prayer of Saint Francis, seeking to understand rather than to be understood, and to love rather than to be loved. May we reflect Your boundless love in all our interactions, treating others as we wish to be treated. Guide our hearts to choose compassion over correctness, following the example of Jesus, who taught us to turn the other cheek and respond to adversity with grace. In Your name, I pray. Amen
