Love is the Christian’s distinguishing characteristic.
Luke 6:35; Micah 6:8; Colossians 3:12; Romans 12:10; John 13:34,35; Romans 5:8,10
Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? —Romans 2:4
… as He is, so are we in this world. —1 John 4:17
RESEARCH SAYS
When we show kindness, we benefit. Our thriving is tied to how we treat others.
Venting replays an aggravation, activates your brain’s anger system, makes it worse.
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. —Proverbs 11:17
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. —Proverbs 12:25
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. —Proverbs 18:20
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. —Proverbs 15:4
Improve Any Relationship
1. Say nothing negative to the person or about them to somebody else.
Patterns of Negativity
• “I can’t do that. It’s too hard.”
• Pointing out mistakes
• Sarcasm
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:13
Rx
• Ask God for help.
• Catch myself being irritating. Stop. Apologize.
• Give up sarcasm to have more of God.
• Use only encouraging words.
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. —Proverbs 12:18
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander… Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. —Ephesians 4:29-32
2. Find one thing you can sincerely praise. Tell them and tell somebody else.
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. —Philippians 4:8
3. Be generous. Do a small act of kindness.
Recommended Books
The Kindness Challenge by Shaunti Feldhahn
Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
Recommended Videos
gracestl.org/resources/rons-recommends
Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever asked God to help you be more loving or patient or kind? If so, what steps did you take to work with Him on it?
2. Imagine being visited by aliens from a planet where everyone was emotionlesss. How would you describe kindness to them?
3. Do you think the people who know you best would describe you as more of an encourager or a discourager?
4. Who in particular could use more encouragement and kindness from you? Name something praiseworthy about them.