Love Shows Kindness

Love Like Jesus Loved

Love Shows Kindness

1 Corinthians 13:4 & Titus 3:4-7

The “love chapter” is not just for a wedding day, but for every day for the rest of our lives.  It shows us a better way to live.

The Necessity of love (1 Cor 13:1-3)

I have a great need for more of the love of Jesus in my life.

We will never learn how to love by working it up from our own hearts, but only by having more of Jesus in our lives

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Love Is Kind

The words used to describe love in 1 Corinthians 13 are not Nouns, but Verbs

Love as an Action not an Affection

Love Is as Love Does

“love shows kindness”

“an active goodness on behalf of others”

The Lovingkindness of God

Titus 3:4-7

• A Saving love (5)
• A Merciful love (5)
• A Life-Changing love (5)
• A Generous love (6)
• An Eternal love (7)

“Adoption is the highest proof of love which one being can bestow upon another, except dying for him; and Christ has done both for us.”  Henry Boardman

Knowing the kindness of God enables us to start showing the kindness of God

Showing The Kindness of God

1. Be Sensitive

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

Everyone you meet this week needs kindness

Example: David in 2 Samuel 9

2. Be Supportive

“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)

“Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.” (Proverbs 15:4, The Message)

Build people up rather than tearing them down!

3. Be Sympathetic

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

Strong people are strong enough to be sympathetic

4. Be Straightforward

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6)

What is the most loving thing to do in this situation?

Sometimes the answer is Comfort, sometimes the answer is Confront

Two Key Questions:

• Am I really committed to this person’s best interest?

• Am I making a “hit and run,” or am I going to be a part of the process of change?

5. Be Spontaneous

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Good intentions don’t count – We have to get around to it!

Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)

• Kindness always Costs

• Busyness is a top contributor to our lack of expressing kindness

The greatest kindness that we can ever show to anyone is to share the gospel with them

Making It Personal:

• Have you allowed the kindness of God to lead you to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone as your Lord and Savior?

• How can you consistently focus on and celebrate the love and kindness of God toward you?

• Who will you show kindness to this week?

• How will you demonstrate kindness to them this week?