1. Today’s Scripture Reading 1 Thessalonians 1:15

2. Real Christians Are KIND 1 Thessalonians 1:15

3. Christianity is about OUTREACH Perhaps you’ve noticed that the last four character traits we studied are best appreciated when they are SHOWN toward others. LoveJoyPeacePatience All these mean most when others see them in us.

4. The Same Is True of Kindness Today’s trait is the same. It fact, it is all about showing God’s kindness to others for their benefit and not for our own! Real Christians show kindness in the world.Real Christians show kindness in the world. Our kindness is an EXTENSION of our appreciation to God for His kindness toward us.Our kindness is an EXTENSION of our appreciation to God for His kindness toward us.

5. Any other understanding of kindness will fall short of the true fruit of the Spirit which should mark the attitude of all MATURING Christians.

6. God’s Kindness Motivates Our Kindness Titus 3:4-5a -- But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.Titus 3:4-5a -- But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

7. Isaiah 54:7-8 "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you," says the LORD your Redeemer.” In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you," says the LORD your Redeemer.” God’s kindness is EVERLASTINGGod’s kindness is EVERLASTING

8. Luke 6:35“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

9. The Requirement of Christian Love Christian love is identified by its kindness “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4

10. Our Kindness Reciprocates the Kindness of God and Christ Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

11. Our Kindness Reflects Our True Servant Nature 2 Timothy 2:24: And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

12. Our Kindness is Unconditional and Unselfish 1 Corinthians 4:13 -- …when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

13. Our Kindness Brings Honor and Glory to God Proverbs 14:31 –He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

14. Illustrations of Christian Kindness The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37

15. Matthew 25:34-40

16. Aesop’s Fable: “The Mouse and the Lion” “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”