Message by Josh Mutter – August 3, 2025
Galatians 5:22-23a (NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
BIG IDEA: The kindness we skip is the regret we carry.
Kindness is seeking the good of others, especially when it is inconvenient or undeserved.
Why Kindness?
- Kindness keeps us from withholding the good that we later wish we gave.
- Kindness protects and repairs relationships before they break.
- Kindness reflects the heart of God which brings us peace.
EXPLORING KINDNESS IN SCRIPTURE
Micah 6:9 (NIV) He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah teaches us that kindness is a lifestyle of mercy that God requires of those who walk with him.
Luke 10:30-37 (NIV) In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
Jesus teaches us that kindness is costly, intentional, and moves toward pain with grace.
Reflections:
- Kindness is a way of life.
- Kindness crosses boundaries.
- Kindness stretches us outside our comfort zone.
How does the Holy Spirit grow kindness in us?
- The Holy Spirit gives us a new heart for others.
- The Holy Spirit helps us notice what others overlook.
- The Holy Spirit gives us courage.
Partnering with the Holy Spirit
- We create margin for kindness when we pray.
- We create margin for kindness when we slow down.
- We create margin for kindness when we look outside of our circles.
You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.
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