Building Blocks for Life: Being Nice

Defined A nice person is someone who is pleasing and agreeable, polite and kind.

Memory Verses The concept of kindness is expressed by the prophet Micah and the apostle Paul (Micah 6:8; Col. 3:12-13).

Micah 6:8, NASB He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?

Colossians 3:12–13, NASB So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Positive Examples King David to Mephibosheth The Servant Girl to Naaman

King David King David demonstrated kindness toward Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul (2 Sam. 4:4; 9:1–13).

The Servant Girl A little Israelite girl who served in the house of Naaman, demonstrated kindness for her master, wishing that he might visit the prophet Elisha and be healed from his leprosy (2 Kings 5:1–14).

Negative Examples The Sons of Jacob to Joseph King Joash to Zechariah

The Brothers of Joseph Filled with jealousy and hatred, the sons of Jacob sold their brother Joseph into slavery (Gen. 37:1–36; 42:21–22).

King Joash King Joash killed the prophet Zechariah who spoke out against the king’s apostasy and sin (2 Chron. 24:20–27; cf. 22:10–12).

Application Toward God Toward Others

Conclusion & Challenge God’s kindness carries responsibility: putting aside all that is sinful and selfish, and growing in respect to salvation (1 Pet. 2:1-3). Those who reject His kindness will suffer His wrath (Rom. 2:4– 11; 11:22).