Matthew 19:16-17 - How can we know who or what is good? God is the basis for what is good. He decides what is good and informs us through His word.

Examples of firm “goodness” include Jesus cleansing the temple (Matthew 21. How does this compare to our modern culture’s view of “goodness,” especially goodness in religion?

A good religious person will find truth and follow it sincerely.

Matthew 7:17-19 - Is a Christian’s life characterized by simply abstaining from sinful activities? Certainly not! We must go out and do good!

Matthew 7:13 - Many people tend to do what is easy instead of what is good.

In what way does Tabitha serve as an example of “good words” (Acts 9:36-39? Her service was a way of life, not just an isolated instance or two of goodness.

III John 1?

Being prideful and making it difficult for others to serve God is certainly not good.

Walking in truth and helping others as Gaius and Demetrius did is the kind of goodness we should emulate.

What are the practical benefits or results of a Christian being truly good?

I Timothy 2:15 - We silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Earthly relationships are more pleasant and peaceful because people appreciate our goodness.

It glorifies God.

It gives self respect.

It helps others.

The preacher:

Speak words that become sound doctrine (Titus 2:1

Speak so as to be understood (I Corinthians 14:19

Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15

Speak with all authority (Titus 2:15

The listener:

Take heed what you hear (Mark 8:24

Take heed how you hear (Luke 8:18

Be sure the word is mixed with faith (Hebrews 4:2

Put the word to use in your life (James 1:22-25

Control your thinking - do not let your mind wander (Nehemiah 8:3

Uphold, do not apologize for the truth that was taught. (Acts 18:24-26

What do these passages teach us about the kindness of God?

Romans 11:20-23 - Reception of God’s kindness is conditional on our behavior.

Ephesians 2:4-7 - God showed His kindness by sending Jesus to die for us.

Titus 3:4-5 - God’s kindness is evident in His mercy on us even in our sin.

I Peter 2:1-3 - We taste the kindness of God through His word.

Luke 6:31-35 - Our kindness is not to be based on whether or not we have been shown kindness.

Our kindness is based on:

How we want other people to treat us

God’s example of kindness to ungrateful and evil men

Acts 24:4 - What sort of things do kind people do? They go out of their way to be patient and helpful to others.

Colossians 3:12-13 - Christians are instructed to be kind. How do we obey that instruction? By considering others’ needs before our own and by adjusting our attitude. We should think about God. This is something that takes practice!

Christians don’t just react. They do what’s right!

What are some things that keep us from being kind?

Grouchiness

Selfishness

Holding a grudge

Pride

Ignorance

Bad company

What are the practical benefits of being kind?

Better influence on those around us