Be Kind to One Another 3.7.21
Lesson Notes
Introduction
▪ Kindness is defined in the following ways.
o A good or benevolent disposition
o Somethingproceedingfrombenevolence ▪ Similarities in these ideas?
o Kindness flows from something internal. o It is not merely an external action.
Be Kind to One Another
▪ Ephesians 4.25-32, esp. verse 32
o There is a direct admonition to be kind to one another.
o Tied to this are the concepts of tenderhearted and forgiving.
o However, notice the full context of the entire section. Kindness flows naturally
out of a transformed life.
o It is related to our honesty, our anger, and how we speak to one another. o Are we seeking to build up or tear down?
▪ Colossians 3.12-13
o The opposite of much of what we see in Ephesians is given here by Paul.
▪ Kindness is related to character.
o Our goal should be kindness that is not forced.
o Every unkind thought is an opportunity for reflection.
One Another Application
- ▪ When do we need to be kind?o In person? Social media? Family? Strangers?
- ▪ Our kindness is magnified as we pay attention to the needs of others.
- ▪ Just because we are “not unkind” does not mean we are being kind. We may just beindifferent.
- ▪ Find someone to be deliberately kind to this week. Pay attention to their needs. Look foran opportunity to meet their greatest need – Jesus.