Grace-Filled Words

Sermon:  August 9, 2015

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

--Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Paul continues to talk to the young church in the passage of scripture that we just heard. In today’s message, I will specifically focus on how Paul instructs us to use our words.

He tells us to put off all falsehood and speak the truth to one another. Don’t sugarcoat the message. Don’t bend the truth to make it more appealing. We must be willing and able to speak honestly to one another about the facts. Because if the facts indicate there is a problem, we must work together to deal with it.

Now, I don’t believe that worship is the time or place to deal with specific problems within our church. We have other venues to discuss together when there are issues. We have 6 teams that meet regularly within our church. This is where the issues should be discussed and plans should be made to address them. In these team meeting we must always agree to speak to the truth in love.

We have the Seed team that meets this Wednesday at 8:00. This team focuses on financial issues. We have the Grow team that meets this Wednesday. This team focuses on Christian Education and growing all members into mature disciples. And we have the Bloom team. This team focuses on reaching out into the community.

Besides those three main teams, we also have the Trustees who make decisions on how to best take care of our facilities. We have the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Team that facilitates discussions between the church body and the pastor or other staff members. And we have the Administrative Council which is made up of the chairs from each the other teams to bring all of the information into one meeting so that everyone is informed and aware of all of the goings on in the church.

In the Methodist Church, all church decisions should come out of these meetings. No individuals, including the pastor, should be making critical decisions alone. As a team, we discuss and debate and decide our future together…as we speak the truth in love.

It’s a system. And it’s a good system…as long as members serve on the teams, attending their team meetings, and the chairs attend the administrative council meeting. Very soon we will begin asking people to serve on these teams for the next several years. Be prayerfully considering which team is a good fit for you. You don’t have to wait for a call, let me or someone else know how you would like to serve.

Next, Paul tells us that we should not speak or act in anger. He actually summarizes Psalm 4:4 which states, “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” You might be so angry that you are shaking…but do not speak or act on this anger. Instead, before you go to sleep but as you are lying down in a resting position at night…search your heart. Pray on it. Be silent and listen to God. Do not go to sleep still angry.

Paul tells us that there should not be unwholesome talk. That includes a whole slew of “unwholesomeness”!

Bitterness. Have you spent time with someone who is bitter about something from their past? It’s something they can’t let go of…that keeps them from trusting, that keeps them from moving forward. Sometimes this bitterness leads to passive aggressive behavior…where we wear the pretense of community but say or do things with a smile that we know hurt someone else. Bitterness has no place in the church. If something is making you bitter, pray about it, talk to me about it, talk to someone about it…but do not let that bitterness continue to fester within you.

Rage. We talked about the fact that we should not speak or act in anger…but rage is an evil cousin to anger. Paul tells us that it’s okay to be angry. After all, Jesus got angry. Remember him overturning tables when he saw the moneychangers in the temple? But rage is a different animal. It is defined as “violent, uncontrollable anger.” If we have let our anger turn into rage, we no longer have control of it…even if we don’t act on it. Rage can be an internal thing, an anger that takes over our mind and keep us from thinking logically.

Arguing. We, as the body of Christ, will not always agree. But we can disagree without being disrespectful to one another. In fact, we must. As Christians we need to be able to listen respectfully to all sides of a disagreement. Wesley gave us a tool to help us with this task, it’s called the Wesleyan quadrilateral.

On all issues, our overarching guidelines are the scriptures. But when the scriptures are unclear on an issue we are to equally consider reason, tradition, and experience. Because we reason differently and we’ve all had different experiences…we will not always agree. But we should make every effort to try and understand why people take different stances on issues, and we need to respect those differences even when our stance is different.

Slander. This is a symptom of lingering anger and bitterness. But it can also be a symptom of jealousy and pride. And sometimes I think it is just a cry for help of someone who seeks attention. It is the spreading of lies about another. But I’m going to include gossip in this category also…after all, when we hear and repeat gossip, we typically do not know if there is any truth to it or not. Slander and gossip have absolutely no place in the church…whether the topic is something or someone internal to the church or external to the church. It should not be tolerated.

And then Paul moves away from those words that we shouldn’t say and moves on to words we should use…grace-filled words.

Words of kindness. Kindness requires that focus on the positive aspects of a situation. We can be angry but still be kind. We can disagree, but still be kind. We can speak the truth, but still be kind. Kindness is a fruit of the spirit. If we are growing in God’s grace, we will notice that kindness comes more and more naturally to us.

Words of compassion. Compassion is concern for the suffering or misfortune of others. So words of compassion are words that articulate this concern. And we can be compassionate even when we can’t be empathetic. Sometimes we just don’t understand what someone is going through, we can’t relate. In those times that we don’t have empathy, we need to be sympathetic.

Often compassion leads us to action. We see someone suffering…even if we don’t understand that suffering, and we are led to do something to ease the suffering. Sometimes speaking those words of compassion are all we can offer…and enough. And sometimes there is much more we can do.

Words of forgiveness. When we refuse to forgive, we are held captive by anger and bitterness. Forgiveness is the key to free a person of bitterness. These words need to be spoken and internalized. 

Is there someone that you need to forgive? Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean reconciliation. Sometimes we struggle with forgiveness because the hurt was so grievous…such as in abuse. You can forgive without inviting someone back into your life. In fact, sometimes the safest thing for you and your family is not reconciliation. But you need to forgive. You need to be set free of your prison of anger and bitterness.

And within the church, forgiveness is critical to the cohesiveness of the body. We will hurt each other occasionally. We will step on each other’s toes sometimes. We must be willing to ask for forgiveness, we must be willing to offer forgiveness, and we must be willing to accept forgiveness.

And finally, Paul tells us that we need to walk in the way of love. We need to walk in the way of God. After all, the bible tells us that God is love. How can we call ourselves Christians if we are not walking in the way of love? This is our default. When in doubt, ask yourself, “What is the loving thing to say? What is the loving thing to do?”

I want to share a video with you by a contemporary singer about this very topic. 

Words have power. They have the power to build up and they have the power to tear down. What will you speak? Won’t you speak life?

Amen.

Being God's People in 2013

Sermon 4
December 30, 2012

Why are you here?

I often tell the story of how First United Methodist Church in Salina became our church home. We moved here in June of 2006. It was a priority to find a church. Although we were members of the UMC in the small western town that we came from, we were not raised in the UMC. We decided to go to some different churches and felt that when we found the right one, it would feel like “home”. So we did just that.

We left some of them feeling that they were cold and distant. We left others feeling like we had just attended a rock concert that lacked any spiritual connection for us. And some, we were just trying to get out of there as soon as possible while holding in our uncomfortable giggles.

Then we came here.

Do you remember the summer of 2006? We walked in from the circle drive, down the steps, and took a left into the worship area. That’s right…blue paint, folding chairs, and a bad sound system.

But that isn’t what we saw. We were warmly welcomed by a loving congregation. We connected with the music. The message was powerful and meaningful. I have cried through many services in this church…including some of those at the very beginning. When we left, we knew we wanted to come back.

And we did.

I don’t know how long we attended before we realized that the sanctuary was actually above us. And I remember catching my first glimpse of it that December…and being in awe of the beauty of it. I was amazed at the faithfulness and generosity of the people who would give so much to renovate this beautiful space.

I realized that this was not a church of people who were inward focused. They (YOU) were interested in furthering God’s Kingdom in the world. This building is a beautiful yet functional tool of the church—God’s people.

Our children began making connections through the Children and Youth ministry programs. We know that FUMC is to be credited for helping us transition our children from small town western Kansas to the big city. (And YES…this was a BIG city to us!) This was especially true for Tana who was beginning those awkward middle school years. What a rough time for us to uproot her whole world.

But ministry wasn’t just happening within these walls. The more we got involved, the more we saw how First United Methodist Church was (and IS) reaching out to the community of Salina and the world. And that was (and is) important to us.

In fact, I believe that it is important to all Christians. After all, Jesus came as God reaching out to this world. 

Paul’s letter to the people of Colossae gives us specific instructions on how we, God’s people, should BE God’s people. He tells us to “clothe” ourselves in:
• Compassion
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience

I like that Paul chose the word “clothe”.

By saying that we “clothe” ourselves in these things he seems to be acknowledging that this is not our natural state. We must choose to put on these things…even though they may be uncomfortable or not fit properly. Maybe they are a bit scratchy to our skin. And yet, we should wrap ourselves in them and learn to be comfortable in them.

Did any of you get a new coat or new shoes for Christmas? They don’t feel quite right when we wear them that first or second time, do they? Yet, as we continue to wear them, they begin to feel right. They become a part of us—normal, familiar, “broken in”.

Well, these “clothes” that Paul talks about are the same way.

Compassion. What does it mean to “clothe” oneself in compassion? It means that we wrestle to overcome our own biases and try to put ourselves in the shoes of others. This isn’t always easy. Sometimes we are unable to relate to the situations of others. In fact, when this is the case, it’s very easy to become judgmental. We are not called to judge the world.

Nothing teaches us more about compassion than being put in a situation where we ourselves need compassion. Now…I don’t believe that God makes bad things happen to us to teach us compassion. But, I do believe that God uses the bad things that happen to us, or that we bring upon ourselves, to teach us compassion. We have all survived experiences that have made us more compassionate to others who may one day go through the same thing.

In what ways has God helped you learn compassion? To whom might He need you to show compassion to in the future?

Kindness. What does it mean to “clothe” oneself in kindness? Being kind isn’t about what you do as much as it is about how and why you do it.

Let’s say that you and I meet for coffee and I surprise you by paying the tab and leaving a tip. Am I being kind? Well, the act itself seems like a kind thing to do. But is it kind if I’m needing a favor from you so I’m doing it with the hope of getting something better in return? Is it kind if I do it because I want to impress you (or others) so I pay the bill and then resent that you let me do such a thing?

Kindness doesn’t expect paybacks or recognition. In fact, Paul uses the word “kind” in his letter to the people of Corinth to describe love. Do you remember that he says that “Love is patient. Love is kind.” I’d like to share of story of kindness with you.

A few weeks ago, a young clerk at Target shared this story as a post on facebook.

“Cried today at work... An elderly man who openly stated that he didn't have much, couldn't read or write, came through my lane today. I've had a cold so making conversation with people today wasn't my top priority. This man was so kind and generous and he put a smile on my face. He was buying necessities and toys for children. He asked me to double bag his purchases because he was walking. When it came time to ring him up, I assisted him with writing a check. However, his check didn't go through and he had no other way to pay. It broke my heart that this kind man wasn't able to pay for his things. I sadly watched him go as the next customers came up. They were obviously annoyed with the wait so I went through quickly. Then I see a young lady about my age catch up with the elderly man and offered to pay for his things. I started tearing up. He kept saying thank you so much, thank you and she replied, 'Merry Christmas.' I was trying so hard to not visibly cry but it all came out when the girl turned to look at me and was crying too.”

Nothing was expected in return. This simple act was done quietly with silent tears by a young girl who was clothed with the compassion and kindness of Christ.

Humility. Now here’s a tough one. What does it mean to “clothe” oneself in humility? Have any of you read “The Purpose-Driven Life” by Rick Warren? It’s been out now for several years and I’ve given it to many people since its publication. It begins with four words that define humility in my mind….”It’s not about you.” It’s not about you! It’s not about me! Man, that’s a tough concept to swallow. Even as I prepared for this message today, I fought the urge to worry about how I would come across, how I would look before you this morning, how my words might affect you…and I reminded myself that it is NOT about me!

In the book of John, Jesus tells a parable about the vine and the branches. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” We would do well to remember this when we are patting ourselves on the back.

Humility requires that we understand that our accomplishments are not ours. Our good fortune? Not ours. Even our acts of kindness…they would accomplish nothing apart from Christ. “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

Gentleness. How do we clothe ourselves with gentleness? Aren’t kindness and gentleness the same thing? Well, no. We can offer to dust mother’s china. That’s a kind thing to do. But there is a difference between gently and roughly dusting the China! When we do something with gentleness, we do it with care, with caution, with tenderness. In fact, sometimes the most kind thing to do is a painful thing—and that’s when our gentleness is the most important.

When I was in first grade I had to start taking allergy shots. Each Thursday (and I hated Thursdays for years and years!) I had to go to the clinic and get a shot in each arm until I was a junior in high school. My skin got tough over those year and the nurses often could not be very gentle.

Do you remember taking your new baby for his or her first immunizations? We get our children immunized because we love them…we are being kind by protecting them. And we expect those who are giving these injections to be as gentle as possible.

Sometimes we must give someone hurtful news. It’s the kind thing to do. So we need to do so with gentleness…a soft touch. We need to take as much of the sting out of it as we can. Be gentle with one another.

Patience. How do we clothe ourselves with patience? Well, look at the list. It these things are in place, patience is a natural outcropping of them. It requires compassion, kindness, humility, and gentleness. I think that is why so many of us struggle with it! It is a combination of the others! In fact, patience (you may remember) is a fruit of the spirit. One way that we can gauge whether or not we are growing in grace, is to look at our patience level. Practice patience. Pray for patience.

Besides this clothing…Paul also tells us to “bear” with each other. The verb “bear” means to hold up or support. “Bearing” something is not pleasant. So when Paul instructs us to “bear” with each other, we are being called to enter into one another’s suffering and be a support. Ugh! Paul! The other things were sweet and light. They didn’t require sacrifice.

And then he really drops the bomb when he tells us to forgive one another…pointing out that we ourselves have received forgiveness from the Lord. Forgiveness.

Have you went to see “Les Miserables” yet? It’s the only professional Broadway-type musical I’ve ever seen live. I saw it with my oldest daughter a few years back. So it’s the only things she wanted for Christmas—to go see the movie at the theater that day. So on Tueday, Christmas Day, Tana and I went to the show. What a beautiful story of grace…of forgiveness. It’s a glorious thing to watch. It’s even more glorious to RECEIVE. But to give it. Well, that’s tough. Because, you see, in order to give it…someone has to “wrong” you. And when someone “wrongs” you, you are usually disappointed. You are usually hurt. You are often angry.

Is there someone who has wronged you? Someone who has disappointed and hurt you? Are you feeling anger toward someone because of a wrong they have committed? Well then, you have been given an opportunity to show grace…to offer forgiveness.

"But they don’t deserve it!", you might say.  Hmph…neither did I…neither did you.

He tells us to “put on” love which will bind it all together…perfectly. But Paul doesn’t stop there. He goes on with more specific instructions:
• Let the “peace of Christ rule your hearts”
• Be thankful.
• Learn about Christ. Teach about Christ. Correct one another. Sing to God! All with grateful hearts.
• Do everything in Jesus’ name while giving thanks.

We each must examine ourselves. Are we doing these things? • Compassion • Kindness • Humility • Gentleness • Patience • Bearing with each other • Forgiving one another • Being at peace. • Being thankful. • Learning. • Teaching. • Singing. • Being grateful.

But we can’t stop there. We, as Americans, are fiercely independent people. It’s a western mindset that we have. But we are all member of one body…the body of Christ…the church. What are we doing as a church to carry out Paul’s instructions? What are we doing to be God’s people?

Well, we are doing things. In fact, I started this sermon by sharing with you some of the things that First United Methodist Church was doing that helped us see Christ working through this body.

1. Inviting people in our doors.

2. Missions—food bank, Lisa in Honduras, Operation Christmas Child, Salvation Army… And in 2013, it is important that we continue to expand the opportunities that we have as a congregation to be God’s people.

3. Lifetree Café. Have you come to Lifetree Café yet? Lifetree Café is an opportunity to reach out to those in our community who (for whatever reason) don’t come to church. It’s a way to participate in conversations that allow people to express their questions and doubts while helping them get to know the God who loves them. There is a card in your bulletin. If you are interested in this ministry, mark the appropriate box so we can follow up. If you are unsure, come Wednesday night and check it out. You won’t be disappointed. 

Those who have been active in this ministry from the beginning, see great potential for it. Come join us and help us discover what God has in store for this ministry.

4. Service. One of the things I have realized throughout this year is that ministry always starts with a need. With Lifetree Café, the “need” is the large number of people out there who don’t have a relationship with Christ. But there are lots of other needs in Salina.

Beginning on January 12, we as a congregation will have the opportunity monthly to do something about these needs. With nothing expected or wanted in return. This is a way for us to corporately carry out our responsibility as the Body of Christ. It’s called “First in Service”. Although it’s the 2nd Saturday in January, every other month this year it will be held on the third Saturday.

On this day from 9:00 to 11:00 we will come together to meet some needs. Each month it will change. One need each month may be a church need, but the other will come from the community. When you come to the church, you will have options. Will you use your SHAPE to put together flyers for the Parade of Lights or will you use your SHAPE to knit a pad for the kittens at the local animal shelter. Will you bake cookies that will be delivered to the Morrison house or will you craft a bowl for a fundraiser for the food pantry?

Each month it will change. Each month you will get to try something new when you can fit it into your schedule. There is no financial requirement…just your time and the use of your gifts and talents are needed. 

So…do you know your SHAPE? Do you know how God has gifted you for service in HIS kingdom? If you don’t, another “Finding Your SHAPE” class is coming up quickly! But sometimes, the best way to discover your passions is to just give some different things a try.

Everyone is welcome. Come. Let’s be God’s people together in 2013.

Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

My First Sermon
(Mother's Day 2012)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

--(Romans 12:9-21)

In doing so, you will heap burning coals on his head?!  Great…that sounds painful!  That’ll show him.    Hmmm…maybe that isn’t what that verse means.  After all, in verse 19 of this passage, we are instructed NOT to take revenge. 

In this passage, Paul is actually referring back to a Proverb (Proverbs 25:21-22) from the Old Testament.  These would’ve been part of the Jewish scriptures in which many of the hearers would’ve been in familiar.  In biblical times, ancient Egyptians had a practice of carrying hot coals on their head in some kind of vessel when they were repentant--when they had sinned, found themselves to be guilty, and turned away from their sinful behavior.   This was a self-punishment.  It indicated a guilty conscience.  It symbolized the person’s desire and commitment to change their behavior.  In being kind to someone, we aren’t putting some kind of curse on them that will catch their hair on fire or cause them pain.  We are leading them to repentance. 

Being kind in this situation can lead to a change of heart.  Sometimes, we never know how our acts of kindness may affect another person.

 

When I think about this, I realize that there are three areas of behavior that are affected when one is granted and embraces the fruit of kindness.  First, we must speak with kindness.  Proverbs 15:1 says “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

 

My family is here today.  I grew up with 3 sisters…there were four of us.  My poor father.  Dad and Mom met—2 months later they started dating, 2 months later they were engaged, 2 months later they were married.  9 ½ months later, Casy was born.  Susan came 11 months after that!   They waited three years before I was born.  And then Lisa came 4 years later to take away my “baby of the family” status. 

As a child, my sisters and I often had disagreements.  Okay, that might be putting it a bit mildly.  I understand now how that feels as a mother!  Well, at some point or another one of us called another one of us a “pig”.  It didn’t go over well.  I’m sure that the perpetrator was thrilled!  So, this “cut-down” was used again…and then again.   When mom caught on and realized the hurtfulness that we associated with this word, she immediately put a stop to it.  We were NOT allowed to call another person a pig. 

Now, this chain of events must’ve taken place prior to my birth or when I was very, very young.  (In other words, my older sisters are to blame for this!)  Because from very early on, I knew that “pig” was a dirty word and we were not to use it in any other context than referring to a farm animal.  It was the ultimate put-down.  I remember one day a neighbor kid and I got into an argument.  In the heat of the battle, I used the “P” word.  Then I ran into the house just sure that his mom would be calling my mom and I would be in so much trouble for cussing. 

You see, my mother understood the importance of speaking to one another in kindness.  Words, even seemingly innocent ones, can be used as weapons.  I remember asking her about it when I was older, “Why did we all think “pig” was such a dirty word?”  She said, “If in your mind, something you want to say is meant to be hurtful, it IS a dirty word.”  Wise words from my mother on this Mother’s Day.  As I’ve grown older and witnessed passive-aggressive behavior by people who are able to say and do horribly painful things to others in a falsely-innocent way—completely aware of the painfulness of their words, I often think of my mother’s abolishment of the word, “pig”. 

We had a saying when I was young, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but…” (congregation finishes).  What a bunch of bologna.  Broken bones heal.  Unkind words fester.  But, the opposite is also true.  Kind words can heal.  Have you spoken kind words to someone in your life lately?  Maybe this is the day that someone you know needs to hear kind words the most.  Take the time today to make the call, write the note, or visit with a person who needs your kindness today.

Second, we must act with kindness. 

 Has anyone ever asked you, “So you’re a Christian.  What do you believe?”  and wanted a short 1 or 2 sentence answer?  Where do you start?  How do you sum up the Bible in just a few words?  That can’t be done, can it?  Well, Jesus did it.  We call it “The Golden Rule”.  What is the Golden Rule?  That’s right. 

In Matthew 7:12, Jesus says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”  This sums up the Law and the Prophets.  His audience knew what the “Law” and the “Prophets” were…it was the Old Testament, the Jewish Holy Book, the Holy Scripture that the people of Israel had studied since birth…summed up in a short sentence.  Treat people how you want them to treat you.  Kindness.

Rudo, Duncan, Alan, and Annie Grace

On Thursday I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon and evening with four delegates from Zimbabwe who are visiting the Kansas West Conference throughout this month.  We have begun a partnership, a Chibatza, with them.  It’s not about giving them money, it’s about building a relationship with them. 

Their culture highly values relationships.  In fact, Rudo told me that it is appropriate for her to call every woman old enough to be her mother, “Mother”.  Not just aunts and cousins, but any woman she feels close to.  That gives a whole new meaning to “Mother’s Day!”

May 1^st just passed.  Do you remember doing anything special on this day when you were young?   When I was little, I remember picking lilacs all the way home from school on May Day to leave them on the porches of our neighbors.  We would tie them together and write notes to put with our flowers, then ring the doorbell and run to hide and watch them find their surprise.  My neighborhood had several houses with older couples that have all passed away now, but I sure loved them when I was growing up.  Kindness doesn’t usually take much extra effort.  I think it was more rewarding for us kids to leave our May Day surprises than it was for them to receive them. 

Acts of kindness are world-changing.  I’m going to show a video that I think you’ll enjoy.  Notice, in particular, how the beginning and ending are related.   

Did you see the connection?  Did you notice that the kindness displayed did not only affect the person shown the kindness but also people who observed the kindness? 

It’s fun to see what our acts of random kindness can lead to.  Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”  We don’t know what burdens are other people are carrying.  It’s important to not judge…that is simply not our job.   “That kid shouldn’t have been riding on the sidewalk!  Where were his parents?!”  “That hungry man needs to go find a job!”  “I’ll bet that girls parents’ pay for the cell phone that she takes for granted.  What a spoiled brat.”  When you find yourself wanting to pass judgment on a stranger, keep this verse in mind.  He or she might just be an angel giving you the opportunity to show kindness.

What about our acts of focused and planned kindness?  Plans that one puts in place not just on the spur of the moment because one feels good, but because one took time to make arrangements, make sacrifices (financial, time…) and follow-through on a kindness that would make a difference to someone else.  Committing to yard or housework weekly for someone who is ill, taking meals to a new mother, providing care for someone who needs it, planning a celebration...

Even more difficult, what about those who are not kind to us? 

Paul says in his letter to the people of Ephesus, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)  Forgiving is an act of kindness and compassion.  (Angrily) “But they don’t deserve to be forgiven!  They don’t even feel bad for their actions!  They don’t understand how badly they hurt me!”  Neither did you.  Neither did you.  Neither did you.

Finally, and this one actually should’ve been first—because if this one is in place, the others will be there also.  We must think with kindness. 

(Go down the aisle to Lisa.  "Your dress is beautiful!"  Turned to Kristy Foster and say quietly and snidely, "Did you see my sister's dress?!")

("Todd come here."  Turn him around and rub his back.  “There doesn’t that feel good?  "Are you enjoying my sermon?”  Turn him facing me.  Then turn around and wait for my back rub.  Say, "Okay" expectantly.  Todd just looks at me and sits back down.)

Do you see?  A kindness for some reward is not a kindness.   Those rewards come in all shapes and sizes—from simply making yourself feel superior to someone else, to getting some tangible reward--like a back rub.  That isn’t kind at all.  Being kind isn’t a word or an action, it’s an attitude…a lifestyle…a gift…a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 6:43-45:  No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Stored up in the heart!  How do we change our hearts?  Do you remember the beginning?  Kindness...coal...repentance...change of heart.

We can’t transform ourselves into kind people, but the Holy Spirit can.  In fact, if we are truly Christ-followers, the Holy Spirit will!  The fruit of the spirit is not as much a list of things for which we should strive, as a gauge to measure our faithfulness in Christ. 

The fruit is a gift.

That’s the most important thing to remember from this message today.  If you only remember one thing, don’t let it be my husband’s back rub or my story about the word, “Pig”.  Let it be this:  Nothing we do…not loving, being peaceful or full of joy, not waiting patiently...can transform our lives, can save our souls.  After all, even the worst of us can “fake” fruit every now and then.   It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit given to us through Christ’s sacrifice by our Father God that we are transformed, that we truly bear fruit, and that we are saved.  God’s gifts are so awesome. 

(Prayer)

Before I step down, I wanted to quickly share something else that the people of Zimbabwe shared with me this week.  Because of the value they place on relationships, the value of individualism is very low.  Whereas we might say here, “We are, because I am.”  There, they say, “I am, because we are.”  I am so glad I got to share my very first sermon with all of you and this Mother’s Day.  I want you to know that I realize, “I am, because we are.” 

Now...let's sing our closing chorus...