"become kind" by following jesus example //
\ ILLUS
gentle breeze or cool drink in summer
refresssssssssssshing
@ eph 4:32 we're encouraged to "become kind to one another"
"become kind..." highlights fact that we all need to improve
we want to but...what can help?
\ READ
luke 6:35
. jahs example
. jesus imitated him, setting a pattern for us too
POINT _ anticipate how words + actions affect feelings of others
\ QUES
how can we do this more effectively + consistently?
\ READ
prov 15:28
. meditate before answering
POINT _ think about them...we can mentally put ourselves in the place of others to try understanding their viewpoint/reasoning
"do not fight, be gentle" @ 2 tim 2:24
\ EXPERI
acc to brother married for years:
"give each other benefit of doubt [rather than assume wrong motive]
. look for good"
young newlywed sis said rsrc "taught her to be yielding + forgiving in relationship"
. eph 4:32 makes the same link between kindness and a forgiving att
POINT _ so we gotta be determined to show our gratitude to others and [when necessary] extend our forgiveness to them graciously :)
\ CONC
follow these divine principles...
. imitate jah and son concern for feelings
. meditate to prevent friction caused by our words/acts
. look for good in them / are gentle in dealings
if we do, we can "become kind" and reap the blessings from applying god's wisdom in our lives!
_____
meaning nwt:
holy spirit:
Therefore, when God’s servants manifest godly patience, or long-suffering, they do so under the influence of the holy spirit. This does not mean, however, that Jehovah imposes his spirit upon a person. We must willingly yield to its influence. (2 Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 4:30) We allow the spirit to act in our lives by cultivating its fruits in all we do.
What does the Bible say? “Return evil for evil to no one. . . . But, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.’”—Romans 12:17, 20.
What is the challenge? If your initial efforts to make peace are rebuffed, you may be tempted to give up.
What can you do? Be patient. People have different temperaments and levels of maturity. Some take more time to cool down; others are still learning to display godly qualities. Keep on showing them kindness and love. “Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good,” says the Bible.—Romans 12:21.
We need to work to display kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. But peaceful relations are surely worth it!