COUNTER-CULTURE KINDNESS
Reframe: Embracing the Biblical Worldview
“Make sure you never pay back one wrong with another wrong. Instead, always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15
“… As God’s chosen people. holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, KINDNESS, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
“Your kindness should be known to all!” Philippians 4:5 (NABRE)
“Everything you do must be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
KINDNESS IS LOVE IN ACTION
Jesus’ Story of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37
(3) POSSIBLE ATTITUDES TOWARD PEOPLE
I. I CAN KEEP MY DISTANCE.
“There was a man who was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when robbers attacked him, stripped him, and beat him up, leaving him half dead. It so happened that a Priest was going down that road; but when he saw the man, he walked on by on the other side.” Luke 10:30-31
II. I CAN BE CURIOUS BUT UNCARING.
“In the same way a Levite also came there, went over and looked at the man, but then walked on by on the other side.” Luke 10:32
III. I CAN SHOW KINDNESS.
“But a Samaritan who was traveling that way came upon the man, and when he saw him, his heart was filled with pity.” Luke 10:33
“Always treat others as you would like them to treat you.” Matthew 7:12
“Your own soul is nourished when you are kind.” Proverbs 11:17 (NLT; TLB)
HOW CAN I BECOME A KINDER PERSON?
– I MUST SEE THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE AROUND ME.
“… When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him.” Luke 10:33 (MSG)
“… Look out for the good of others…” 1 Corinthians 10:24 (NCV)
– I MUST SYMPATHIZE WITH THEIR PAIN.
“… When he saw him, his heart was filled with compassion.” Luke 10:33 (ESV)
A KEY TO KINDNESS:
STOP ASKING: WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM?
START ASKING: WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM?
– I MUST SEIZE THE MOMENT TO HELP.
“He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.” Luke 10:34a
“[Whenever] we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it! But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 (NCV)
“Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them NOW.” Proverbs 3:27-28
– I MUST SPEND WHATEVER IT TAKES.
“Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he gave the innkeeper some silver and told him to take care of the man. He said, ‘If his bill runs higher than that, I’ll pay the difference the next time I am here.’” Luke 10:34-35
“Jesus asked, ‘Which of these 3 people would you say was a true neighbor to the one attacked?’ The man said, ‘The one who showed him kindness.’ Jesus replied, ‘You’re Right! Now YOU GO & DO the same!’” Luke 10:36-37
“Being kind to the people in need is like lending to the LORD; [and] He will repay you for the kindness you have shown.” Proverbs 19:17 (NCV)