The secret of kindness

(This is a summary of the message preached by Michael Larsen on June 14, 2020.)

Jesus said "Love God and love your neighbor as yourself."  That's the whole essence of Christianity. Jesus also said Christian can be identified by their love. "By this shall all men know that you're a disciple of Mine." Not that you have Bible knowledge, but that you love.  

There is a word for love in action, and it's called kindness. When you're kind, you take action and show love in a practical way. Titus 3:4 tells us that Jesus is "the Kindness of God".

HOW IS JESUS KIND TO ME?

1.  HE UNDERSTANDS MY WEAKNESSES

Hebrews 4:15-16 "Jesus understands our weaknesses since He had the same temptations we do, though He never once gave way to them and sinned. So let us come boldly to Him and find grace to help us in our times of need."

What does this have to say about how we should be kind to other people? Galatians 6:1-2 says, "If someone is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that the next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong. Share each other's troubles and problems."

Here's the first way to be kind: Be gentle not judgmental.

2.  HE TELLS ME THE TRUTH

John 8:32 "Jesus said you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Jesus loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to let you stay that way. Jesus tells us the truth in kindness and He wants you to tell other people the truth.  It's the kind thing to do. Ephesians 4:15 “Speak the truth in love.” The way you can be kind is by caring enough to tell hard truth.  

Proverbs 24:26 "An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship." A real friend tells you when you're making a mistake.

Psalm 141:5 "A good man will rebuke me in kindness."  So you rebuke in kindness. You speak the truth in love.

3.  HE FORGIVES MY SIN

Romans 3:23-24 "All of us have sinned...yet now God declares us `not guilty' of offending Him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in His kindness freely takes away all our sins." God, because He's kind, wipes out your record. There is no condemnation if you put your faith in Christ. Ephesians 1:4, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” The Bible teaches that before God even made you He knew every evil thing you do, think or say and He still made you and He still loves you.   

So how am I supposed to treat other people? Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ." How do I be kind like Christ? By forgiving other people.

4.  HE AFFIRMS MY WORTH

Deep inside all of us have a deep desire to feel worthwhile. We all want to feel that our life has meaning and significance.

The truth is, no matter how much money you make in life and no matter how much pleasure you experience, none of it is going to matter until you've established a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Nothing else is going to satisfy.

There are two ways to know that you matter to God:

1.  Every second God is thinking about you.

Psalm 139:16-17 "You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life. How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly."

2.  He sent His son to die for you.

Romans 5:8 "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us." Do you want to know how much you matter, how much you're worth? Look at the cross. Jesus Christ says to you, "I care bout you this much." God thought you were worth dying for.  

Hebrews 10:24 "In response to all God has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other..." Who could you be kind to this week? God has placed all kinds of opportunities on you to demonstrate love in action. Just look around you.