Kill’em With Kindness // Receipts: The Proof Is In The Fruit ( Part 9) // Michael Todd
Dec 1, 2024
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Discover the true essence of kindness versus mere niceness as the discussion highlights the importance of a compassionate heart inspired by the Holy Spirit. Learn about sacrificial giving, where generosity reflects faith and trust in God. Delve into personal stories that illustrate the journey from selfishness to selflessness. The conversation encourages embodying genuine kindness, especially toward marginalized individuals, and emphasizes the significance of aligning actions with Christian values for transformative living.
True kindness, as a fruit of the Spirit, requires selflessness and compassion, distinguishing it from mere superficial niceness.
Financial generosity reflects one's trust in God, emphasizing that tithing is a baseline for spiritual health, not a limit.
Practicing kindness amidst adversity exemplifies Christ-like behavior, transforming relationships and showcasing active compassion in daily interactions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Generosity and Trust
The significance of generosity as a form of trust in God is emphasized, highlighting how greed and selfishness can corrupt one's heart, especially when God asks for something in service or giving. Many people approach giving like they are lending something to an untrustworthy relative, forgetting the blessings they have already received. This reflects a deeper issue of whether individuals truly trust God with their finances and future or merely express love for Him without any true faith in His provisions. The speaker shares a personal journey of learning that trusting God means liberating oneself from the burden of financial anxiety through obedience and generosity.
Understanding Tithing and Its Role
Tithing, defined as giving 10% of one’s resources back to God, is clarified as an act of obedience rather than an expression of generosity. It is presented as a baseline for financial spiritual health, not a cap on giving. The speaker challenges the misconception that exceeding 10% equates to being more generous, noting that true generosity is exhibited in offerings beyond the tithe. Tithing is framed as a consistent practice that can open doors to spiritual growth and future blessings.
Levels of Giving: From Tithing to Sacrificial Offerings
The speaker categorizes giving into stages: starting with the tithe, progressing to offerings, and culminating in sacrificial giving, which requires a deeper level of faith and trust. At the sacrificial level, individuals give beyond compliance, risking financial loss for the sake of a greater cause, often yielding substantial spiritual rewards. This form of giving is contrasted with more rigid approaches to finances, stressing that being generous should not be limited to monetary values alone but rather be seen as sowing seeds for future blessings. The acknowledgment of past struggles with finances acts as a relatable narrative motivating listeners to pursue a selfless giving attitude.
Embracing Kindness Over Nice
The distinction between kindness and mere niceness is made clear, asserting that true kindness arises from a heart empowered by the Holy Spirit, while niceness can merely be superficial politeness. Kindness is described as proactive and selfless, often requiring personal sacrifice, unlike niceness, which can sometimes be passive and selective. The speaker conveys that believers are called to practice kindness consistently, regardless of differing opinions or backgrounds, establishing a mandate for Christians to exemplify Christ-like behavior in their daily interactions. Kindness, rather than just being a trait, is positioned as an essential characteristic that should define a believer's actions.
Living Out the Call to Be Kind
Emphasizing the need for Christians to embody kindness, the discussion turns to the importance of active compassion in confronting challenges and conflicts. The narrative stresses that kindness should prevail even amid adversity, advocating for a response that reflects the love and grace of God. Real-life stories illustrate encounters where kindness can transform relationships, encouraging believers to work towards being known for their compassion and love. Ultimately, the call to kindness is framed as a deliberate practice, moving beyond personal preferences to embody the gifts of the Spirit through actionable love and support towards others.
Many of us profess to be Christians, but truly walking in the fruit of the Spirit means reflecting Christ-like behavior in our actions. Pastor Mike explained the critical difference between being nice and being kind. Kindness, as a fruit of the Spirit, goes beyond surface-level niceness; it stems from a compassionate and selfless heart posture. We pray this message renews your understanding of kindness and inspires you to live out this new revelation in your daily life.
Scripture References: Galatians 5:22-23 NLT Romans 12:17-20 NKJV 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV Genesis 1:27 NIV Luke 10:30-32 NLT Luke 10:33-37 NLT Titus 3:3-5 NLT
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