1. “Be Ye Kind One To Another…” Ephesians 4:32 1

2. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” 2

3. Introduction Kindness is Characteristic of God (Deity)! To be Christ like, Christians must be kind as commanded by our text Unfortunately, some are kind but not kind to their brethren Shows lack of spiritual maturity Shows lack of brotherly love This attitude must be “put off” – Ephesians 4:22 A trait of the “old man” Must put on the “new man” – Ephesians 4:23-25 We must be kind because God has forgiven us! 3

4. Key Words Defined Kindness Strong - employed, i.e. (by implication) useful (in manner or morals):- -better, easy, good(-ness), gracious, kind. Barnes - Christianity produces true courteousness, or politeness. It does not make one rough, crabbed, sour; nor does it dispose its followers to violate the proper rules of social intercourse. The secret of true politeness is benevolence, or a desire to make others happy; and a Christian should be the most polite of men…His politeness is to be based on kindness, Col 3:12. His courtesy is to be the result of love, good-will, and a desire of the happiness of all others; and this will prompt to the kind of conduct that will render his intercourse with others agreeable and profitable. Tenderhearted Strong - well compassioned, i.e. sympathetic:--pitiful, tender-hearted. Barnes - Having a heart disposed to pity and compassion, and especially disposed to show kindness to the faults of erring brethren, for so the connection demands. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering...NKJV 4

5. Evidences Of God’s Kindness By His Creation – Because He blesses all men with physical blessings: Romans 1:20; Acts 14:17; James 1:17 Matthew 5:45; John 3:27 By the Giving of His Son – He Loved the World: John 3:16-17; Luke 9:56A Titus 3:3-5; 2:11-12; Romans 5:8 Gospel sent to all nations: To every creature – Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20 Sins of the obedient forgiven: Acts 8:22; Colossians 2:13; 1 John 1:7-10; 2:12 5

6. Why We Must Be Kind A command of God Luke 6:35 It is a quality of the benevolent love (agape) God commands 1 Corinthians 13:1-6; Romans 13:8-10 Because Christ has forgiven us! Colossians 3:12; Matthew 6:14; Mark 11:25 Because we want to be treated kindly by others Matthew 7:12 It is a fulfillment of the Law Galatians 5:14 Demonstrates genuine faith 1 Timothy 1:5 6

7. Actions Lacking Kindness A respecter of persons James 2:1-9 Not helping a brother in need when we have the opportunity and ability: ability + opportunity = responsibility James 2:14-18 Not controlling the tongue James 3:1-12; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Colossians 3:8 Hateful speech, gossip, backbiters, impatience toward others Speech that does not edify – Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Proverbs 12:18; 15:2 Lack of longsuffering Psalms 86:15; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 1:16 Lack of patience of the strong toward the weak & judgment of brethren in things indifferent to God Romans 14 7

8. Conclusion More kindness is needed in all walks of life: Church Home Business Dealings with others, especially our brethren! Christians are to demonstrate kindness as commanded by our text! Ephesians 4:32 Let us be examples of the believers! Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity – 1 Timothy 4:12 8

9. Colossians 3:12-13 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 9