MY STORY
When making an entrance into a social gathering or party, do you make your presence known so everyone notices you, slip in and look for someone you know, or sneak in as quietly as possible and find a safe spot to hide? Why?

What was an act of kindness that you offered or received?

QUICK REVIEW
In his message, Joseph said, “When we, as individuals, choose to serve others (neighbors, friends, coworkers) by doing what we don’t have to do – it has the power to change the dynamic of our relationships with them.” Do you agree with this, and if so, how do you see it changing the relationships?

DIGGING DEEPER
READ Matthew 25:34-40
In talking about doing what you don’t have to do, how does this passage relate to the message? How does this relate to what we do for Jesus? Are these acts convenient, inconvenient, or somewhere in between?

READ Luke 6:32-36
We live in such a reciprocal society that we are often conditioned to do for those who are like us and can do for us, as well. However, this passage wants to take us in a different direction. Why do you think that Jesus is encouraging us in this different way of thinking and acting? What is the purpose in it?

READ Acts 3:1-16
Peter did not give this man what he was asking for, but instead gave him a new life. He then used the opportunity to tell the onlookers about Jesus. How can we use our acts of kindness to others as a platform for sharing the Gospel with those around us? How do we get the boldness to do this?

TAKING IT HOME
Read Matthew 5:13-16
Compare the two references to salt and light with the encouragement to doing something that we don’t have to do. What are some practical things that you can do this week for someone outside of your normal circle that would qualify as a action that doesn’t expect or receive anything in return?