Dr. Stanley teaches about the irresistible nature of tenderheartedness: both how God demonstrates such a quality toward us and how we should imitate Him in our earthly relationships. Lean into His unfailing kindness and watch how it multiplies in your own life—testifying to everyone around you of the goodness of God.
Sermon Outline
From a young age, we’re taught to be kind, but sometimes that isn’t as easy as it sounds. However, kindness is something small that can make a big impact on others. It is a way to display Christ wherever we go. This week, Dr. Stanley explores what it means to live as a channel of God’s kindness in every circumstance.
Key Passage: Ephesians 4:31-32
Supporting Passages: Proverbs 3:3; Proverbs 19:22; Romans 2:4; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:4-6; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 2:3
Do you consider yourself to be a kind person? Would others describe you that way?
► “A kind person stands out in a crowd.”
Kindness is fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22):
It’s our responsibility as children of God to be kind (Eph. 4:32).
We must choose to show kindness (Col. 3:12).
When the Holy Spirit is free to work in us, kindness naturally flows out (Gal. 5:22).
The Holy Spirit gives us the capacity to be kind no matter what.
Kindness is Christlike.
►“Kindness is the natural trait of a believer who is living in the Spirit of God.” ;
Some expressions of God’s kindness include …
Salvation (Titus 3:4-6).
Pardon from sin (Rom. 2:4)
Provision for our needs.
Protection.
Answered prayer.
Eternal life.
Kept promises.
Personal involvement.
Divine presence (Heb. 13:5).
► “We don’t even realize how often God is being kind to us.”
Our life should express God’s kindness:
Kindness in us is what God desires (Prov. 19:22).
God tells us to keep kindness and truth as close as possible (3:3).
We should be aware of and enjoy God’s great kindness toward us (1 Pet. 2:3).
► “It takes a real man or woman to apologize for past unkindness.”
Kindness is strong, not weak. In fact …
Kindness responds gently, even in difficult situations.
Kindness conquers. Others may relent when we respond with it.
God rewards our kindness, especially when it’s our response to those who hurt us.
After Watching
How do you respond when someone is unkind to you? Remember that kindness conquers; we can resolve stressful or awkward situations—and even win others to the Lord—through a gentle spirit.
Sometimes it can be challenging to know the best course of action in a given situation. That’s why Micah 6:8 is a wonderful verse to memorize. It gives us clear instruction from the Lord for anything and everything we face in life: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
