God’s Kindness Transforms Us

Thursday, October 17, 2024

For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7

God’s Kindness Transforms Us

We see the kindness of God throughout the Bible in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Sometimes we think of the God of the Old Testament as one who is reigning down judgement on the people. But Jeremiah 9:23-24 says This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, 24 but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. Kindness is an attribute of God and while humans can be kind, we are not always kind. But God’s attributes stay the same always. He is kind, so He has been, and He will be kind for all eternity – yesterday, today, and forever.

God is kind as far as “common grace” to all He has made, even when His creations are ungrateful and sinful. The Lord is good to everyone; His compassion rests on all He has made. Psalms 145:9 This kindness is meant to draw us to Him and lead us to repentance. Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 

As believers we are fully immersed in God’s kindness as He delivers us from things like fear, troubles, and distress. He is kind in all ways. He saves us and protects us from hardships and walks with us through trials never leaving us alone.  

God's kindness is most evident in our salvation that comes through Christ. Indeed, our salvation derives from the kindness of God and itis through continuing in his kindness that we are saved. Because of God’s kindness and love for us, He saved us. He forgave us and washed our sins away, making us a new creation in Him. He is kind and good. He made us His heirs with the hope of eternal life.

So that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift. Ephesians 2:7-8

God gave us Jesus – His only Son – to redeem us from our sin and be the sacrifice for us so we can have eternal life. Because of this sacrifice, we can have a relationship with God. This is the greatest kindness ever shown and it completely transforms our lives spiritually. Our transformed lives can impact others who may be transformed or impacted spiritually by His kindness spreading to them.  

The kindness of God is what led to the provision of salvation, to green pastures and still waters, to restoration, to the protection of His wings, to rescue when we stray, and to so many, many blessings He gives us just because He is kind and loves us. Our relationship with this kind God will make His kindness evident to everyone around us through our lives. 

Kindness Can Impact Culture

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be KIND, always showing gentleness to all people. Titus 3:1

Kindness Can Impact Culture

Culture is all around us and as Christians we can either embrace it and be a part of it or isolate ourselves from it. One definition of culture refers to the culture of the area where you live. There are pockets of society with customary beliefs, traits or shared values and practices. Growing up in Texas it is safe to say that I completely understand this phenomenon. Culture can also be associated with a racial or religious group. Regardless of what region of the world you live in, what language speak, what you believe in, or who your friends are, there is a culture you are a part of. Sometimes cultures can clash, causing violence and stress in communities. 

The beginning of the passage above says “Remind them…” Paul was telling Titus to remind the Christians under his care to show proper respect and humility towards all people, particularly those in a position of authority. We all know some Christians today that have a problem with that and need to be reminded. We all need to be reminded sometimes. We do need to show respect and remember to act like Christians. We are representing the Kingdom of God. But we are not to just respect and be quiet. We are not to stir up troubles but to submit to rulers and authorities, ready to do good works and to show kindness in every way – in words and deeds.  As Christians we have the power to influence the culture around us – wherever we are – at home, school, in public, etc.  We have power because we have the Holy Spirit. We can submit and obey, respecting all people, while interjecting the kindness of God into the culture everywhere we go. 

When cultural tensions arise, people do not expect kindness. They expect disrespect and arguments, maybe even violence. But we are called to always show the world the love and kindness of our Savior, no matter what. There will always be cultural tensions and challenges. There will be tensions between Christians and non-Christians. When we come up against these challenges it is the time to let the glory of God be magnified. When others are unkind to us, they don’t expect the kindness of God to be given to them in return. If we respond in our flesh, we cast a poor light on Christianity and the Kingdom of God as a whole. We look just like the world when we act like the world.   

Paul reminded the believers to demonstrate their godly character through the way they lived their lives. Our words and actions of kindness always matter, and if we are walking The Jesus Way, in a transformative relationship with Him, His character will be evident in all we say and do. Our words and deeds will glorify Him and demonstrate His character to everyone around us. 

Paul’s reminder is the same for us as it was to Titus and the Christians in Crete back then. Our cultures have changed, but our God, His character and ways, and our mission stays the same. We are to extend the love and kindness of God through our words and actions to everyone around us, in every circumstance and situation.  

Be The Light

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.. Matthew 5:14-15

 

Be The Light

God’s plan to show His love to the world is not through a building with a sign above the door that says Church. It is through you and I that He plans to show His love. Every believer is meant to be a point of light to a dark world.  People are watching you!  What they see has an influence on them.  And it should. You see, Jesus told us that we would have an influence in this world.  The Christian life is a life that is both influential and purposeful when lived under the control of God.

 

The world is a dark place, and it is getting darker by the minute. The culture and the society in which we live is growing dim, and we are called to be the light this world needs.  Without the light of Jesus Christ, the world operates in spiritual darkness.  Light is designed to show reality - things as they are and not as you have concluded them to be. We can bring the light of Jesus to the darkness of this world and offer new life in Him.  

 

Does your life make a difference? What kind of difference do you make? Jesus is clear that we are to make a difference.  We are to be a light.  Sometimes that may mean showing mercy, showing truth, standing for what is right, showing kindness, helping people, and many other things. Being a light means covering the darkness with the love of Christ.  

 

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12  When we follow Jesus, we reflect His light to the rest of the world. We only shine when we reflect His light.  There is nothing in us apart from Him that shines.  We are sinful creatures and sin does not reflect light, but darkness. But Jesus in us reflects His pure light to others, drawing attention and glory only to Him.  This beautiful reflection of Christ in our lives cannot be stopped, because we are light. Let your light shine!  

 

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr

 

Scripture to Claim:Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."    Matthew 5:16

Pointing Others to Jesus in Kindness

Monday, October 14, 2024

 

For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the KINDNESS of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.  He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:3-8

 

How can the fruit of KINDNESS expressed through our words and actions point people to Jesus?

 

Pointing Others to Jesus in Kindness

As followers of Jesus, we have known and experienced His kindness to the greatest degree. He has given us mercy, forgiveness, and eternal life. As believers walking with Him we are transformed daily by Him. The result of this transformation and our continual relationship with Him is fruit – the fruit of the Spirit. That fruit should be evident in everything we do and everything we say, how we treat others, and how we respond. Jesus should be glorified in every aspect of our lives. 

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit that we should show to others everywhere we go, not just at home, with friends, or at church. The fruit of kindness in our lives, extended to others, can have a meaningful impact, beyond what we can imagine. We can possibly change someone’s whole day with a little bit of kindness. 

Kindness should be evident in every circumstance in our lives. Some of those circumstances might be harder to show kindness in than others. Jesus expects us to show His kindness even to those who are not kind to us. It is hard in our human flesh to show kindness when others are not kind to us. This show of kindness to those who are unkind will impact their lives and have a greater influence for the Kingdom of God. 

 

When we are walking with Jesus and in a transformative relationship with Him, we will glorify Him in every word, action, and deed. We can be a blessing to others in every opportunity we have to share Jesus with others who are hurting, lonely, or in need. Through our living testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives, we can show others the kindness of Jesus and even help them come to know Him. As His children all our words and actions should point others to Jesus.

In our sinfulness Jesus showed us the greatest kindness. What other ways have you seen the kindness of Jesus in your life? When have you intentionally shown the kindness of Jesus to others?  

The 9: Learning to Live Authentically “KINDNESS”

The 9: Learning to Live Authentically

“KINDNESS”

Titus 3:1-8 (CSB)

 

Key Truth: “How we live will be determined by the transformation of our character.”

 

Main Question: How can letting the fruit of KINDNESS expressed through our words and actions point people to Jesus?

  

1.          Kindness can impact culture. (Titus 3:1-2)

 

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:11-13 

  

2.          God’s kindness transforms lives spiritually. (Titus 3:3-7)

 

“Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” – Romans 2:4

  

3.          Our kindness is evident in serving others. (Titus 3:8)

 

Kindness isn’t about our comfort and convenience. It’s about sacrifice and serving so others are blessed.

After the Message: Read Colossians 3:12-14

Which of these spiritual traits are easiest for you to demonstrate? Which one challenges you the most that you need to grow in? Who is someone in your life that you can express kindness to this week that will least expect it?

 

Speaking to God and Others

Friday, October 11, 2024

Speaking to God and Others – Colossians 4:2-6 by Kay Crumley

Paul is coming to the end of his letter to the church in Colossae. He has given the members of this church instructions on how to live the life of a believer and to grow like Christ in character and behavior. In chapter 3 the thing that stood out to me was how to behave in the workplace. We are to do everything we do to the best of our ability as if working for the Lord. Our Master is not our earthly boss but our Heavenly Father. We are to strive to please Him in all we say and do.  As he closes, in chapter 4, he returns to our personal relationship with God and those who have not yet come to faith in Christ. 

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 

In verses 2-4 Paul addresses our prayer life. Prayer is conversation with our Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Consider how you interact with your best friend, or parents who you love dearly. Do you only speak to them weekly or less? Remember how you felt about your spouse as you were dating. Daily calls or texts were necessary when you didn’t see each other. Paul is saying we need to be as devoted to spending time in prayer with our Heavenly Father as we would to a person who we adore. We are to be watchful for anyone or any teaching that is counter to His teaching. A heart and attitude of thankfulness is necessary for worship. We are to pray for our spiritual leaders, pastors and teachers. Also, for our fellow believers as we share the gospel to those who need to hear about Him. Paul desired to proclaim the gospel clearly so his listeners would have no trouble understanding. That should be our desire as well. The gospel is not complicated, we need to share it so anyone can understand. 

5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 

Paul instructs us how to interact with outsiders in verses 5-6. Be wise, speak the truth in love. As believers we know the ‘mystery’ of the gospel, Christ paid the penalty for our sin and offers us eternal life with Him. We cannot earn it, but it is a gift God gives to us through Jesus Christ. We are to make the most of the opportunity we have to share that message with those who do not know it or have not believed by faith, the outsiders. They are outside the family of God, and we are commissioned to present the gospel so they can have the option to join in His Kingdom. I really like verse 6 where he tells us how to show that wise action to those we meet. Speak to others with grace. Grace is undeserved favor given by God to us so our sins will be forgiven. Our conversation should be filled with kindness, not judgmental, or accusatory. We are to treat them as God treats us. But then he says it should be seasoned with salt. The commentaries I use say that means with wit. The priests, in the Old Testament, sprinkled the burnt offerings with salt. The food we like is more appealing if it is flavored properly. The gospel message will be more easily accepted if it is presented with kindness and flavored with good natured wit making it more acceptable. Everyone we approach is deserving of hearing the gospel. We are to use our God given wisdom to share it with them in a manner that will be understandable and easily accepted.  

Our prayer life is important as we grow to know Him and replace our hard heart with the tender loving heart of God. Praying for other believers as they share the Word is vital to the Kingdom work God has for each of us. Our conversations must be filled with wisdom, truth, and flavored with wit in a way to draw others to Him. The gospel is about living in freedom and love, that is an attractive lifestyle. Let’s make sure we share it in a way that others want what we have in Him. 

 

Source of Life

Thursday, October 10, 2024  

Source of Life - Proverbs 4:23 by Kay Crumley

 

What is your source of life? Do you consider the physical/biological source and think of the bodily systems that sustain life? Or perhaps it’s those things that stir passion emotionally. Maybe you have a hobby or even a job that just makes you happy and you lose your sense of time when engaged in that activity.  You become so consumed by that activity that you forget to eat. Just FYI, there are very few things I find that will cause me to forget to eat!  Another way to consider the source of life is through the spiritual lens. What is holding you together or giving you purpose spiritually? Recently Proverbs 4:23 was the verse of the day. It caused me to question my own definition for the source of life. 

 

Solomon wrote this chapter to his sons. Since it is included in God’s Holy Word, it is written to all of God’s sons and daughters, that means you and me. These are words we need to take seriously. The first part of this chapter instructs us to seek wisdom and understanding. Christian parents are to teach their children God’s wisdom, guide them to understanding, and repeat the message constantly as the children mature. In verse 4 he gives us the reason for his instruction, ‘Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.’ We cannot live as God intended without keeping His words in our heart and following His commands. That seems like an obvious guideline to live by to live.  

 

As Solomon brings his teaching to a close, he warns us to pay attention, hear and take to heart his words so that we can have life and health. Then we find verse 23,  

Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. CSV 

I have included two versions of the same verse. One tells us to guard our heart. How do we do that? Be careful of what we take to heart, trust, or rely on for guidance. Those who follow the earthly advice or latest fad will be led away from the wisdom of His Word. We must filter those ideas and compare them to His teachings before we allow them to become part of our lifestyle. In both versions we find that we are to put that first, protect our hearts from influences that don’t adhere to God’s truth. Why is that important? Because it is the source of life according to the CSV. Our life actions and behaviors come from what is in our heart. We do what our belief system leads us to do.   

 

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. NIV 

The NIV explains the reason just slightly differently but perhaps a little easier to understand. Everything you do flows from your heart. In the heat of an argument, we sometimes blurt something out that we regret. That is often not because we don’t think that way but because we don’t want others to know our innermost thoughts or feelings about the matter. Our actions and reactions are determined by what is in our heart, our innermost thoughts and feelings.  

 

Luke put it this way The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45. What is in our hearts is what comes out of our mouths. Perhaps we can hide those feelings for a time, but it will eventually come out in our words or actions. We are all guilty of putting on a façade to present to the world. That can become burdensome as we attempt to ‘look good’ without truly being good.  

 

Physical life is truly dependent on our heart to keep our essential bodily functions working. But the Bible refers to the heart of man as his natural inclinations. We are sinful by nature. Without God our heart will lead us to sin, it is deceitful according to Jeremiah 17:9. We must have His wisdom embedded in our heart and be on constant guard to keep His wisdom prominent in our innermost being so that life in Christ will flow out to the world to bring honor to Him.