Devotion Book 4

Devotion Book 4 – Lesson 3

Devotions Book 4

Lesson 3

Kindness (week 1-4)

The Building Blocks: God’s Principles

“…giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1:5-8

Kindness

Kindness / Week 1

Day 1 / Joshua 2:1-16

After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into Canaan, the first foe to conquer was Jericho, a formidable walled city. Joshua sent two spies into Jericho. There they met a harlot named Rahab, whose actions show the immeasurable importance of kindness. She told the spies how the men of Jericho feared the nation of Israel. She hid them and, at the right time, let the spies down over the city wall by a cord. Before their escape, they promised Rahab that they would save her and deal kindly with her after the city was taken by the Israelites.

How can I show kindness to others in my family? To my neighbors? To my coworkers?

Day 2 / Hebrews 13:16

Many Christians suffer from poor spiritual memories. They forget to do what God has commanded through His Word. One of the Lord’s reminders about remembering is in this verse. “do not forget to do good and share what you have with others,” He says. Through these two important activities, we please Him.

In what ways am I remembering to do good? In what ways am I remembering to share what I have with others?

Day 3 / Matthew 25:31-46

This complex Scripture passage deals with what is known as the judgment of the nations. The basis of this judgment is the kindness shown toward God’s chosen people the Jews. Those who have shown kindness to the Jews will be blessed; those who have been unkind toward them will be cursed.

These verses teach us the importance of kindness, specifically toward the Jews; but they also teach us in principle the importance of kindness toward all God’s children.

How am I actively showing kindness toward the Jews? Toward all believers?

Day 4 / Ephesians 2:4-7

Because of His great love for us, God made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sins. And, just as His Father raised Jesus and seated His Son next to Himself in Heaven, so has He done with us. This is true because we are in Christ. And in the coming ages, God will show us more of His incomparable grace. He has expressed His grace through His kindness. This kindness was personified in Jesus.

God’s kindness can also be personified in us today as we obey and glorify Him.

How is God’s kindness being revealed through me? What are some practical ways I can express kindness to others?

Day 5 / Deuteronomy 22:1-4

“Finders keepers!” How often we have all heard the phrase. But in God’s way of thinking, there is no such thing as “finders keeper.” This interesting passage shows us how, from the very beginning, God built kindness into His law. When a Jew found another’s animal, garment or any other possession, he was to return it to its owner.

What do I normally do when I find something or receive something that is not mine? Do I have anything I should return?

Day 6 / Ephesians 4:32

God clearly commands us to be kind and compassionate toward one another. And, too, we are to forgive each other, just as we have been forgiven by Christ.

How can I be more kind, compassionate and forgiving towards others? Is there someone God has convicted me of not loving? Do I need a forgiving spirit toward any particular person?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Kindness / Week 2

Day 1 / Genesis 40:1-15, 23

While Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt, he met two servants of the king, a butler and a baker. Both men had dreamed unusual dreams and were very troubled because they could not understand the meaning of the dreams. With God’s help, Joseph interpreted the dreams for them. Joseph told the butler that he would be returned to his former position in the king’s service, and Joseph asked him to remember the kindness shown. The butler forgot, however.

Has anyone shown me kindness that I have forgotten and failed to return? What can I do to make things right with them?

Day 2 / Genesis 13:8-18

Abraham and Lot were both wealthy. In fact, they were so blessed materially that there was not room for both of their herds of cattle. One of them had to move to another area. As the elder, Abraham had the right to choose, but in kindness, he gave up that right to Lot. In his greed, Lot took advantage of Abraham’s kindness and chose the well-watered plain of Jordan. His choice ultimately got him into big trouble.

Have I ever chosen selfishly or taken advantage of another’s kindness? What was the result of my selfishness?

Day 3 / Luke 17:11-19

Leprosy was a dreaded disease which caused one to be shut off from family and friends. Lepers had to live in filthy colonies, away from society. Whenever normal, healthy people approached, lepers were required to shout out, “Unclean, unclean!” Once, when a group of ten lepers were healed by Jesus, only one remembered His kindness and returned to give thanks for the healing.

Do I ever forget to thank Jesus for His kindness toward me? Which of the kindnesses He has shown me, do I thank Him and praise Him for today?

Day 4 / Hebrews 6:10

Though other Christians may be forgetful of the kindnesses we show them, God is not. He remembers everything we do in His name to help others and meet their needs. He never forgets.

How does knowing God remembers all things affect the way I think or act?

Day 5 / Psalm 103:2

Often the first thing one looks at in a new job is the list of benefits offered. These may include vacation time, bonus pay, insurance, etc. If we were to look at the Christian life in the same way, we would see many benefits that come from God. His forgiveness, His healing, His provision, His direction, His justice – all these and more are the “benefits” He so abundantly gives us. We must not forget these.

What “benefits” of God do I remember and thank Him for today? What practical thing can I do to remember to thank Him every day in the future?

Day 6 / Exodus 1:6-14

After Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery by his brothers, he rose to a position second only to Pharaoh. Under his leadership, the nation survived a horrible famine which lasted seven years. He was a respected and influential man. But, some years after Joseph’s death, a new Pharaoh came to power who afflicted the Jews living in Egypt. The kindness which Joseph had shown Egypt was meaningless to the new king.

Have I forgotten or become insensitive to the kindness of others? How should I respond to those who are insensitive to my kindness?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Kindness / Week 3

Day 1 / II Samuel 9:1-13

The relationship between Jonathan and David is perhaps the most beautiful example in the Bible of genuine friendship. While King Saul, Jonathan’s father, was attempting to capture David to kill him, Jonathan worked against his father to help David escape. In numerous other ways, Jonathan sacrificed of himself and his possessions for David’s sake. Jonathan died in battle between the Israelites and the Philistines, but the story of friendship did not end with his death. After David became king, he found out that Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth who was still living. Mephibosheth was severely crippled; and he was probably not an attractive person. But David saw more than his lame, twisted body. He saw in him the beautiful relationship he had experienced with his father, Jonathan. He saw one to whom he could repay Jonathan’s kindness and love.

Is there someone like Mephibosheth to whom I can show kindness?

Day 2 / II Timothy 1:10-18

The apostle Paul spent a lot of time in jail. Usually, he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Many Christians did not like Paul and were apparently delighted when he was behind bars. However, there were those who were kind to him and were not ashamed to associate with him, even when he was imprisoned. Such was Onesiphorus. He searched hard for Paul until he found him, and then he ministered to the apostle’s needs.

How can I minister to the needs of my brothers and sisters in Christ – especially those who are looked down upon in society?

Day 3 / II Kings 4:8-17

In a place called Shunem lived a kind woman who helped the prophet Elisha. She waited on him, fed him and provided a comfortable place in which he could stay. Wanting to repay the kindness she had shown him, Elisha asked his servant to find out what the woman most desired. Because she was childless, she wanted more than anything to have a son. Elisha interceded with the Lord on her behalf and God answered his request. Though she was old, God blessed her in the same way He blessed Sarah with a son in her old age.

Is there anyone I can repay for their kindness to me? How can I intercede for others today?

Day 4 / I Corinthians 16:14-16

In society, one who is “addicted” is usually not well thought of, because addiction normally refers to drug abuse. However, in the sense of this Scripture, addiction is a good, positive thing. The Christians mentioned in these verses were “addicted to the ministry of the saints.” They devoted themselves to serving others.

Am I “addicted” to serving others? How can I be more devoted in my service?

Day 5 / Matthew 10:40-42

The smallest act of kindness does not go unnoticed. God is aware of every good thing done in His name, and He rewards each one accordingly.

What are some “little” things that I can do to show kindness? Will I do them even if no one notices but God?

Day 6 / Philemon 1:1-25

This delightful letter was written by the apostle Paul to Philemon, a Christian brother in the church at Colosse. Paul had met in Rome a runaway slave named Onesimus, whose master was Philemon. Paul led Onesimus to Christ; and he sent him back to Philemon with this letter. We can see in the letter both the kindness of Philemon, which Paul mentions, and the kindness of Paul himself in interceding for Onesimus.

What does Paul’s letter teach me about expressing kindness? How can I apply this teaching to my life?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Kindness / Week 4

Day 1 / Romans 12:10-21

Romans, chapter 12, is one of the most practical portions of God’s Word. It focuses on the importance of each believer doing his or her part in the body of Christ. The last half of the chapter is actually a “things to do list” for Christians; and many, if not all, of these things relate directly to the exercise of basic Christian kindness.

How can I show more kindness to others in my family? To my friends? To my neighbors?

Day 2 / Luke 10:25-37

The account of the Good Samaritan’s kindness is one of the best known Biblical stories. It teaches us the importance of showing kindness toward those who are different from us. In the culture of Jesus’ day, the Jews and Samaritans had no dealing with one another. In fact, they usually avoided traveling through one another’s area of the country. By acting in loving kindness toward the injured Jewish man, the Samaritan crossed several social barriers.

What barriers might I need to cross to show kindness to others?

Day 3 / Genesis 50:15-21

Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, was one of the patriarchs of the Hebrew nation. He was the father of Joseph. When Jacob died, his other sons feared that Joseph would punish them for selling him into slavery. In spite of their mistreatment of him, Joseph was kind, gracious and forgiving toward them.

How have I shown kindness to those who have mistreated me? How can I show them more kindness?

Day 4 / Romans 12:19-21

It is not our concern to “get even” when we are wronged by others. God alone takes vengeance, and He instructs us to treat even our enemies with love and kindness, for in so doing, we overcome evil with good.

How have I overcome evil with good recently? What kind of “good things” can I do to overcome evil?

Day 5 / I Peter 3:8-9

Christians must live in harmony in order to experience God’s fullest blessings. Peter’s yearning for his brothers and sisters in the Lord was that they would be compassionate, loving and kind.

Am I living in harmony with other believers? Is there anyone to whom I am not compassionate, loving, courteous and kind?

Day 6 / Galatians 6:10

Kindness must not be reserved for “favorite” people. As Christians, we ought to try in every way to do good to everyone with whom we come in contact – especially our brothers and sisters in God’s family.

Is there any person or group toward whom I am not actively showing kindness? To whom has God impressed my heart to express gratitude and kindness in a special way?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

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