Principle
Lessons on Kindness
God is kind to us, so we show kindness to others.
8 lessons
Before He Finished Praying: Rebekah at the WellGenesis 24:1-67Abraham sent his oldest servant on a long journey to find a wife for his son Isaac from his relatives. When the servant reached the town with his ten camels, he prayed by the spring, "LORD, show kindness to my master." He asked God to show him the right young woman, one who would offer water to him and his camels too. Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out. She gave him a drink and hurried to water all ten camels. The servant bowed and worshiped God, who had led him all the way. God is kind and keeps His promises, and He helps us be kind too.Old TestamentKindness
Kings and ProphetsRuth and NaomiRuth 1:1-22; Ruth 2:1-23; Ruth 3:1-18; Ruth 4:1-22When Naomi lost everything, God showed His kindness through Ruth and Boaz, and Boaz became the family's redeemer, pointing to Jesus, our Redeemer.Old TestamentKindness
With MusicKindness in a Song: David Plays the Harp for Saul1 Samuel 16:13-23; 1 Samuel 18:10-11; Ephesians 4:32King Saul was troubled and upset inside. God had chosen young David to be the next king, and God sent David to play the harp for Saul and help him feel better. David used God's gift to be kind, even to the king he would replace. God is kind to us, so we can be kind to others.Old TestamentKindness
David and Mephibosheth2 Samuel 9:1-13; 2 Samuel 4:4; 1 Samuel 20:14-17King David remembered his promise to his best friend Jonathan. He found Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, who couldn't walk, gave him back his family's land and invited him to eat at the king's table every day. God shows that same kindness to us, so we show kindness to others.Old TestamentKindness
Seeing God's WorldSalt and LightMatthew 5:13-16; Jeremiah 29:4-7Jesus told His followers, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." Long before, God told His people in Babylon to seek the good of the city and pray for it. Christians don't hide from the world or blend into it. We do good and show Jesus' love so people see it and praise our Father in heaven.New TestamentKindness
With Building BricksJesus and Zacchaeus: KindnessLuke 19:1-10; Romans 2:4; Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:4-5Zacchaeus was a rich chief tax collector in Jericho, and everyone knew he cheated people. When Jesus came to town, short Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see Him. Jesus stopped, looked up and called him by name – "Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today!" The crowd grumbled, but Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus with joy. Jesus' kindness changed his heart, and he gave half of everything to the poor and paid back four times what he had cheated. Kindness means treating others with love, even people no one else wants, because Jesus was kind to us first.New TestamentKindness
Fruit of the SpiritFruit of the Spirit: KindnessLuke 22:47-53; John 18:10-11; Luke 6:35-36; Ephesians 4:32When soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter swung a sword and cut off a servant's ear. Jesus said, "No more of this!" He touched the man's ear and healed him. His last healing before the cross was for someone who came to arrest Him. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. God is kind to us when we don't deserve it, so His Spirit helps us be kind to everyone, even people who are unkind to us.New TestamentKindness
The Church BeginsDorcas Helps PeopleActs 9:36-43; Mark 5:35-43Dorcas loved Jesus and was always doing kind things, like making clothes for widows. When she got sick and died, her friends sent for Peter. Peter prayed, and God brought Dorcas back to life, and many people believed in Jesus.New TestamentKindness