The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Course: The Fruit of
the Spirit
Lesson Six (Outline)
Lesson Title: Kindness
Text: 'But the fruit
of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
meekness, temperance: against such there is no law,' Galatians 5:22.
Theme: Kindness the fruit of the Spirit is far
higher than natural kindness.
Introduction: Kindness (Greek
'chrestotes') - deeds of kindness shown to others.
·
The kindness of God is also shown to those who
reject Him, (Psalm 145:9).
·
The Lord told His disciples that they were to
follow this example and be kind to those who opposed them, (Matthew
Introductory Story: A kind person is one who is concerned about the needs of others.
The world makes appeals for aid in times of famine, or children in need, or natural disasters. This is not the fruit of the Spirit.
· Kind intentions are derived from human nature and are not the fruit of the Spirit. This is highly valued by the world.
· The fruit of the Spirit is rooted in 'agape' love. It is self-sacrificing love that is not stopped by rejection or hostility.
Exposition:
Kindness, the
fruit of the Spirit, is unlike the kindness of the world.
1.
Kindness
will make us like Jesus, Luke 6:35.
·
The
kindness of the Lord is seen in His love for the unloving and the undeserving. Romans
5:7-8; Titus 2:4-5.
2.
Kindness
is compassionate and forgiving,
Ephesians
·
It is always active, 1 John
3.
Kindness
will love those who have been unkind towards us, Luke
6:27-28.
·
The
fruit of the Spirit will rejoice to show kindness to an enemy, Romans 12:20.
4. Kindness is characterised by generosity and the absence of self interest, Luke 6:29-31.
Conclusion:
Kindness, the
fruit of the Spirit, will
1.
…make
us like Jesus in loving those who do not deserve it.
2.
…always
be compassionate and willing to forgive.
3.
…love
those who are unkind to us.
4.
…show
generosity far beyond the expectations of the world.
What should the student do?
1)
Take
every opportunity to be kind.
2)
Show
kindness to those who do not expect it.
3)
Respond
to unkindness with generosity.
4)
Let
our kind actions be a testimony of the love of Jesus.
5)
Give
thanks that our kind actions will glorify the Lord.