THE PRACTICE OF LOVING KINDNESS IN A WORLD OF VIOLENCE

August 23, 2015

WHAT IS SOMETHING KIND YOU HAVE DONE THIS WEEK?

KINDNESS CONVERSATION: WHAT IS KINDNESS?WHY DOES IT MATTER?

“At the end of life, we will be judged by love.”- John of the Cross

“Deeds of kindness are equal in weight to tall of the commandments.”

- - The Talmud

“Kindness is the highest form of wisdom.”- Unknown

PRACTICING KINDNESS“Be kind and compassionate to one

another.” - Ephesians 4:32

What gets in the way our practice of kindness with one another?

TO PRACTICE KINDNESS IN A VIOLENT WORLD TAKES COURAGE

Courage is a byproduct of encouragement. When we encourage another person, we give them a gift, the gift of courage.

Encouragement is like a spiritual angioplasty: fear creates a blockage in the heart, but encouragement allows the fear to pass, and be healed by courage.

What are the challenges to a practice of kindness and encouragement in the world?

TO BE KIND IN A VIOLENT WORLD DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE TO BE OVERLY SENSITIVE

You might be too sensitive if… 1. You think helping always helps.

2. You have difficulty saying “no.” 3. You keep trying harder.

4. You allow your salvation to be dependent upon the salvation of others.

What is the difference between kindness and sensitivity?

PRACTICING KINDNESS DOES NOT MEAN HAVING EVERYTHING TOGETHER.

A person who tries to keep all systems together (for me: congregation, family, social, etc.) will eventually break apart.

God breaks in to us through our brokenness.

What does a church that practices kindness look like?

A PERSON WHO PRACTICES KINDNESS IN A VIOLENT WORLD WILL BE CRITICIZED.

While painful, criticism does not need to be negative. Think of criticism instead as applause. Have you had any standing ovations?