Memory Verse: … “The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you’. Philippians 4:9 (AMP).
Text: Matthew 5:3-12
Spiritual Emphasis: Christian practices are any regular and intentional activities that establish, develop, and nourish our personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Being a Christian is more about practice than belief. For us to grow spiritually, Christian practices are essential. It is important to note that for us to experience the full benefits of these practices, these elements must form the foundation of our Christian practices – it must be regular, and it must be intentional. Then and only then, we will be able to establish, develop, and nourish our personal relationship with God, and be transformed by Him.
Benefits of Kindness in the life of a Christian – Some examples of Kindness in the Bible
- Kindness is selfless, compassionate, and merciful: it is the greatest power revealed in practice to our enemies and amongst the least – Matthew 25:34-40. True Kindness is Spirit – produced (Gal. 5:22). It is a supernaturally generous orientation of our hearts towards other people, even when they don’t deserve it and don’t love us in return.
- Abraham shows hospitality to three strangers: Abraham welcomed and showed great warmth to three strangers who came to visit him. He provided them with food and gave them a place to rest. This act of kindness is an example of what true hospitality should be. It is a selfless act that demonstrates concern for the well-being of others – Genesis 18:1-10; Leviticus 19:34; Acts 20:35.
- Rahab hides the Israelite spies: Rahab was referred to as the prostitute, but she showed great kindness when she helped the Israelite spies. This story is an example of how God rewards those who are kind to others. Despite her past, Rahab was forgiven and given a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ – Joshua 6:7; Joshua 6:22-25.
Questions/Activities: What can we learn from the lives of Abraham and Rahab?
Conclusion. One of the best ways you can show people God’s love is by being kind. Kindness opens doors and bridges gaps. It repairs the broken hearted and restores hope to the hopeless. Will you harness the power of kindness today to tell others about Jesus? Kindness is one the characters God requires from us – Micah 6:8. (AMP).
Shalom! Self-Study: 1 Corinthians 13:4; Ephesians 4:32, Luke 6:35; Colossians 3:12-13; Proverbs 31:26; Proverbs 19:17; Galatians 6:10; 1 John 3:18; 1 Peter 3:8-9; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 4:8; Zechariah 7:10.
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