Message Recap
Today, Pastor Dave Dummit continued our series, Overflow: 9 Traits of a Spirit-Filled Life, by preaching on kindness. Pastor Dave began his sermon with a story about our South American global partner, Enlace. He shared that due to their acts of kindness, the drug cartels grant them safe passage, even looking out for them at times. He said that kindness is not weak but rather tears down walls and builds bridges.
Pastor Dave shared about the kindness that King David showed Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, in 2 Samuel 9. It's a remarkable story about a promise and a commitment to kindness.
Pastor Dave had three points today:
1. Kindness often happens outside our normal routine.
In his normal routine as king, David never would have kept company with someone like Mephibosheth. He broke his normal routine to meet him and invite him into something more.
2. Kindess gets personal.
Pastor Dave quoted Mother Theresa, "Today it is fashionable to talk about the poor. Unfortunately, it is not fashionable to talk with them." Many of us would like to help but want to keep our distance while doing so. David did the opposite and took action not only for, but also with Mephibosheth. Pastor Dave challenged us, "Who are you sharing your life with? Kindness is not a random act, it's a lifestyle."
3. Kindness stems from a loving relationship.
King David loved Jonathan, and because he loved Jonathan, he loved Mephibosheth—even though he didn't know him personally. Pastor Dave said, "We love people because we love God, and they are his kids."
In order to live out kindness, we need to step out of our normal routines, get personally involved in the lives of others, and let our relationship with Jesus be our overwhelming motivation.
