1. TAKE A LITTLE HONEY Genesis 43:11 And their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man--a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.

2. The Text Famine in Palestine – go to Egypt for grain Trying to gain favor with Egypt Take some fruit, balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds Take double money, return the money in the sacks Take Benjamin Genesis 43:14 And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!"

3. Take Honey Hebrew word – debash Can refer to bee honey Also to grapes, squeezed, boiled down to 1/3 – making a thick syrup – like grape jelly Bee honey was useful, but it was not rare or expensive Grape debash – was rare and very expensive in Egypt

4. What's the point? The important thing was the money for grain Important was to return the money in their sacks from the previous trip Honey and nuts were “to boot” - offer them to “sweeten the pot” - something extra Sell corn – give them 13 ears Sell a horse – throw in the saddle and bridle

5. Show some kindness in life Jacob Wanted to get on the “good side” of the man in Egypt Sent extras to show appreciation

6. Show some kindness in life Jacob Honey = kindness 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffers long and is kind Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

7. Show some kindness in life Jacob Honey = kindness Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering 2 Peter 1:5-7 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

8. Show some kindness in life Jacob Honey = kindness Home Spouse Children Visitors Phone calls

9. Show some kindness in life Jacob Honey = kindness Home Church Elders Deacons Preacher One another 1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Visitors

10. Show some kindness in life Jacob Honey = kindness Home Church Brethren Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Genesis 50:21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

11. Show some kindness in life Jacob Honey = kindness Home Church Brethren Everyday business Servant sent to find a wife for Isaac Genesis 24:12 Then he said, "O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.

12. Conclusion How can I show kindness in my life? Where can I take along some honey? NOT: How can others treat me better? BUT: How can I show kindness to others?