Challenge #5

Mount Hope Men’s Ministry
CHALLENGE #5 
​Kindness
1 Act of Kindness Each Day

“ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14) NIV

Today, we live in a world full of “self.” We live in a culture that teaches us to pursue our own success and comfort. However, the holy scriptures tell us otherwise. So, what does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Well, it begins with turning our focus away from self, and looking toward our neighbor, brother, sister, co-worker, even toward strangers.
In this, the 5th challenge, we will embark on a journey outside of our own needs and wants. We will exercise the unselfish pursuit of loving others through simple acts of kindness. It has become far too easy, even commonplace, to pass by another human being who needs assistance. Why don’t we see it? Why don’t we help? Mostly, it’s because our modern culture has taught us to focus on ourselves – in direct opposition to God’s will. So, let’s change that!

Of course, Scripture is our greatest guide. What does God have to say about being kind?

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) NIV

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18) NIV

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) NIV

No doubt, loving others is not just a command of God, but also aligns us with the very nature of God – for we know that God is love. And if we are truly “in” Jesus, if we truly understand what pleases God, which means loving others, we will naturally want to show it. My encouragement to you is this; don’t pass up any opportunity to be kind to another person whom God has created. Look for someone to help. Look for someone to bless. Let people see God living in you through your kindness. Who knows – someone may take notice and ask you why you are so kind.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) NIV

Tips For This Challenge:
• Pray that God will give you and show you the opportunities to be kind to others.
• Be aware of the people around you every day, those who you may be able to help (a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a stranger).
• Take the time to lend a helping hand to someone who may need it. • Have the mindset of being a servant – to help others, even if they don’t ask.
• Perhaps you may pay for someone’s lunch.
• Offer to cut your neighbor’s grass.
• When you help someone, or when you do some act of kindness, smile at them and tell them “God bless you.”
• Make it your goal to be a living ambassador of Jesus.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) NIV