Kindness through Generosity

Kindness through Generosity

(James 1:12-18)

Yearly Theme:  “Kindness is… Action”

Series Title:  “Kindness is a Verb”

January 29^th, 2023

Something to think about:

Today we conclude our series entitled, “Kindness is a Verb”  by looking at another passage from James in the New Testament.

James is a hard-hitting letter that deals with holy living and the actions that should result in a life of “lived-out” faith.  In chapter one of his letter, James gives us a glimpse into the heart of GOD by showing us that every good and perfect gift comes from Him.  Let’s take a closer look this morning:

James 1:12-18 (NLT),

¹² God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. ¹⁴ Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. ¹⁵ These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

¹⁶ So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. ¹⁸ He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Here’s the takeaway:

Key Point:  “GOD’s kindness is revealed in the good gifts He gives, and our kindness should reflect the goodness of GOD in our acts of generosity.”

What can we learn about the kindness of GOD through this passage, and what should be our response?  Let’s break this down further today:

• GOD  us when we patiently  testing and temptation.

James 1:12 (NLT),  God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

• GOD does not  us to do  .

James 1:13-15 (NLT),  And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. ¹⁴ Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. ¹⁵ These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

• Everything that is  and  comes from GOD.

James 1:16-18 (NLT),  Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. ¹⁸ He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Something to take home:

We must remember throughout the course of our lives in Christ that GOD blesses us when we patiently endure testing and temptation, that GOD never tempts us to do wrong, and that everything that is good and perfect in this world comes from GOD.  The overabundance of GOD’s good gifts to us are a result of His loving-kindness toward us.  His true nature is evidenced in His love for us as He continues to bless us beyond what we deserve.  The Apostle Paul puts this in perspective when he writes,

Romans 5:6-11 (NLT),  ⁶  When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.  ⁷  Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.  ⁸  But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  ⁹  And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.  ¹⁰  For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.  ¹¹  So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

How are you using the good and perfect gifts that come from the Father?  Have you opened them and stored them away, or are you sharing generously the gifts you’ve been given with others?

Key Point:  “GOD’s kindness is revealed in the good gifts He gives, and our kindness should reflect the goodness of GOD in our acts of generosity.”