Hello! Today we are going to dive into the fruit of the spirit - Kindness! Sometimes I feel like this is a fruit, or trait that isn't emphasized enough. I have worked in the education field for 15 years. Oftentimes, the root of a problem stems from a lack of kindness. There is a powerful quote out there, "Given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kindness." Imagine a world where everyone practiced this? What if we practiced this kind of kindness while on social media, at a restaurant with a slow wait time, in traffic, at work, with our kids, at school, with friends, with our siblings, etc.
Over-arching Fruit of the Spirit memory verse:
Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
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GET TO KNOW THE FRUITS!
Use this to engage your young children in the content. It tends to be a younger crowd favorite, so you may want to begin each "Fruit of the Spirit" session with this song.
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Optional memory verse:
Colossians 3:10 - “As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
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KINDNESS: Opening songs:
For the younger children:
For the family:
As you watch/sing-along, consider the words. Consider today's topic - kindness! How is that Fruit shown in this song? How can you see yourself bearing this fruit in your everyday life?
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Modern illustration/introduction
For the youngers:
For the whole family -
A poor student was selling goods from one door to another to pay for his studies. One day he found that he had only one dime left, and he was hungry. While approaching the next house, he decided to ask for a meal. But when a young woman opened the door, he only dared to ask for a glass of water.
She looked at him and understood that the boy was hungry. So she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it and then asked how much he owed her. The woman replied, "You don‘t own me anything. My mother taught me never to accept pay for a kindness."
"Then I thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said and felt that now he was stronger not only physically, but his faith in God had grown as well. The boy‘s name was Howard Kelly.
Many years passed. One day that woman became seriously ill. Local doctors could not help her. Therefore they sent her to a big city, where her rare disease would be studied by specialists. Dr Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he entered her room in the hospital, he immediately recognized the woman, that showed kindness to him, when he was poor.
The doctor was determined to do his best to help her recover from her disease. The struggle was long, but together they managed to overcome her illness. After some time the woman received a bill for her treatment. She was worried that the amount to pay would be so significant, that it would take the rest of her life to pay for it. Finally, when the woman looked at the bill, she noticed words that were written on the side of the bill. The words were, "Paid in full with a glass of milk."
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Biblical Example - Kindness
We read a story of unbelievable kindness in Genesis. Joseph faced unvbelievable situations. As you hear about what Joseph went through, think about how you would have felt? How you might have responded.
Joseph Hated
In the book of Genesis, we read about Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph was resented by his brothers because of being favored by his father and because of the dreams God had given him.
Joseph Sold
Their resentment was so great that they developed a plot that ended with them selling Joseph as a slave to some Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites in turn sold Joseph as a slave in Egypt. Joseph was serving as a slave in Potiphar’s house when he was falsely accused of trying to hurt Potiphar’s wife.
Joseph thrown in prison
As a result he was thrown in prison. While he was in prison he interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker. Their dreams were fulfilled just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. The chief cupbearer was restored to his position and the chief baker was put to death. Two years later Pharaoh had two dreams. None of Egypt’s magicians or wise men could interpret the dreams. The chief cupbearer remembered how Joseph had accurately interpreted his dream. So Pharaoh sent for Joseph who was able to accurately interpret his dreams. The dreams revealed that there were going to be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.
God Blesses Joseph
Pharaoh then made Joseph second in charge in all of Egypt. Joseph developed and had oversight of the plan to save grain during the years of plenty and to distribute the grain during the years of famine.
Joseph chooses kindness
As the famine grew worse, Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt. He sent his remaining sons to Egypt to buy grain. When Joseph’s brothers appeared before him in Egypt they were completely at his mercy. He had complete authority to carry out revenge against them. Joseph, however, showed kindness to his brothers and forgave them. He said to them, “You intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them’ (Gen. 50:20-21)
Application
Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). This is not our natural human tendency. This is produced by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Kindness is the fruit of the Spirit as we continue to give our lives to Him. This is the kindness that God showed to us. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Kindness is a significant mark of God’s grace in the believer’s heart and life for it requires self-denial, self-control and consecration of our lives to the Lord. We can’t always do exceptional deeds, but there are thousands of small generous acts we can perform which will help others and bring glory to God. We can show this kindness by the things we say and by the things we do.
Read Genesis 45:1-20
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Application Questions
1. How do the stories of Joseph and the Lady who gave the glass of milk relate? (neither expected anything for their kindness, but both were given gifts because of the kindness they showed to those around them)
2. How would you have felt if you were in Joseph's shoes? Would you have responded the same way?
3. Has there ever been a time in your life when you were treated unfairly or judged wrongly? How did you respond? How do you think God wants us to respond?
4. What are some practical ways we can show kindness to those around us? (friends, teachers, bosses, co-workers, classmates that aren't in our friend circle etc.)
5 Choose 1 thing you will do today to show kindness when it isn't expected of you. Share with the group.
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Family Prayer Time
As you share in a family prayer time, ask God to help you show kindness, especially when you feel they don't deserve it. If there has been a time where you didn't show kindness, ask God to forgive you for that. Thank Him for the blessings that he has given you.
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Thank you for taking tim to use this resource! We are so humbled that you have chosen to join us on this journey. We hope that they are useful to you and help lead your family closer to each other and deeper in your walk with the Lord! Please share with anyone you think would benefit from having this resource.
Thank you and have a blessed day,
Daryl and Rachel
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