Benefits of Christian Practices 20

Topic: Benefits of Christian Practices 20

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. 

• King David spared Mephibosheth’s life: David had promised Jonathan that he would protect his family. Consequently, David asks how he might help any surviving members of Saul/Jonathan’s family. He followed through by showing kindness to Mephibosheth – 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 20:14-16; 2 Samuel 21:7; 2 Samuel 9:1-13. 
• Jesus Healing the sick and Feeding the hungry: In the story, Jesus is shown to be healing the sick and feeding the hungry. This is an example of kindness as it shows compassion for others. It also demonstrates that being kind can have a positive impact on those around you – Matthew 14:13-21.

Questions/Activities: Have you been in any situation where you were moved with compassion to take a positive action to help? Please share your experience.

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.