Non Random Acts Of Kindness

Fulfilled (The Fruit of the Spirit), part 6 of 10
We live in a world that is often cold more than kind. Even in Rochester, voted friendliest city in the US by Readers Digest survey a few years ago, we still don’t show a kind act enough. We’ll talk about how Jesus is kind to us (He is the kindness of God Titus 3:4) and how we can find kindness to be kind to others. Pastor Frank De Luccio

Download the notes.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is… kindness… “ (Galatians 5:22e)

1. It’s A Cold, Cold World.

a. Our world is more often cold than kind

b. We’ve allowed coldness to enter our churches

2. The kindness of God warms a cold heart.

a. Our hearts are naturally cold.

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” (Titus 3:3)

“…For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23–24)

b. Jesus warms our heart through salvation.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior…” (Titus 3:4–6)

” For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

a. The Holy Spirit maintains the warmth in our hearts.

“…so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life”. (Titus 3:7)

” If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you”. (John 14:15–17)

3. Kindness - a lifestyle, not a random act.

a. Offer an invitation for God to enter your life.

“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9–10)

b. Be an imitator of God in all you do.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children…” (Ephesians 4:32 — 5:2)

c. Be intentional when it comes to kindness.

“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” (Titus 3:8b)

“and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”. (Ephesians 5:2)