FGA Genesis Cell Group 2 nd October, 2009 Session 2

A statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. Matthew 5:39

If someone wants … your tunic, let him have your cloak also. Matthew 5:40

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 5:41

JESUS said, How does this apply to you?

What is Jesus telling us? The kingdom of God is based on:- - Power of Love, - Power of Servanthood, - Power of Kindness. Why do Christians try to fight fire with fire?

We’re God’s Climate Changers! Whatever spiritual atmosphere, God can use us as climate changers in the world. When Christians uses the tools of Love, Servanthood & Kindness, they have the power to radically change the human heart.

KINDNESS or Just Niceness? Definition: The practical acts of mercy done by followers of Jesus who are inspired by the Holy Spirit to see through the eyes of God. Romans 2:4 – “… the kindness of God leads you to repentance.” Paul says kindness is one of the hallmarks of a person filled with the Spirit of God: Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:5

NICE versus KINDNESS 1. Is a person who is nice also kind? 2. Is a person who is kind also nice? 3. Can a person be nice without being kind? 4. Can a person be kind without being nice? Nice: pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance; socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous Kind: having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behaviour; characterized by mercy, and compassion

Comparison NICE 1.Taught 2.Passive – can be nice & do nothing 3.Temporary, superficial 4.On your terms 5.Not a fruit of the Spirit KINDNESS 1.God given - Not taught 2.Active 3.Permanent, internal 4.On the other person’s term 5.A fruit of the Spirit

NICENESSKINDNESS 1. Taught1. God given - Not taught 2. Passive – can be nice & do nothing 2. Active 3. Temporary, superficial 3. Permanent, internal 4. On your terms4. On the other person’s term 5. Not a fruit of the Spirit5. A fruit of the SpiritComparison

BEHAVIOURS THAT ARE UNKIND Hurtful words Gang control, peer pressure, Racial prejudice Crime, substance abuse, Violence Treating others as inferior and making fun of them

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF UNKIND BEHAVIOUR UNKIND behaviour starts wars. UNKIND deeds are destructive to one’s own health. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings himself harm (Pr. 11:17). UNKIND outcomes start with unkind beliefs. UNKIND efforts put fear and guilt in one’s own soul.

BEING GODLY IS BEING KIND. God’s indwelling presence gives a heart of kindness. God’s Word becomes our spiritual GPS - Global Positioning System. God assures his followers that through kindness they will be blessed. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead,pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it. 1 Peter 3:9 God and us make this a better world with kindness.

Where Should Kindness Rank In Our Christian Life. KINDNESS Meanness Indifference Self-centeredness Here!!

"Christian Kindness“ Peter 3: Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Quotations Life's most urgent question is, what are you doing for others? Martin Luther King Jr. When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world. Harold Kushner Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. Mother Teresa When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people. Abraham Lincoln

Some scripture references “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 “...love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 “Therefore, as God's chosen people,holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 “But the fruit of the Spirit is...kindness...” Galatians 5:22

GOD BLESS