August 7 2016 Prevailing In Personal Relationships

Prevailing In Personal Relationships

Romans 12:14-21

Six Ways to Win in Personal Relationships

1. Return good for evil.

Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.

Matthew 5:44 – Jesus said, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Two Examples:

• Jesus
• Stephen

2. Identify with others.

Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

3. Be open minded to others.

Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

4. Treat others with respect.

Romans 12:17 – Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

5. Do all you can to keep the peace.

Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Two Qualifications

• If it is possible
• As far

6. Remove revenge from our life.

Romans 12:19-21 – Do not take revenge, my 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.

Three Reasons

• It’s the Lord’s task.
• May move that person to Christ.
• Vengeance means we are conquered by evil.

March 16 2014 Growing The Character Of Kindness

Growing The Character of Kindness

Galatians 5:22 – The Fruit of the Spirit is kindness.

Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Two Reasons For Kindness:

1. God is kind to us.
2. We want people to be kind to us.

Five Characteristics Of Kindness:

1. A kind person is sensitive to others.

Philippians 2:4 – Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others.

David: Kind to Saul’s grandson.

2. A kind person is supportive.

Proverbs 15:4 – Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.

Proverbs 10:32 – Righteous people know the kind thing to say, but the wicked are always saying things that hurt.

3. A kind person is sympathetic.

Romans 12:15 – When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.

John 11:35 – Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus.

4. A kind person is straight forward.

Proverbs 27:6 – Wounds from a friend are better that kisses from an enemy.

5. A kind person is spontaneous.

Galatians 6:10 – As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.

The Number One Enemy Of Kindness Is: BUSYNESS!!!

A Project For This Week: Write down seven people you want to show kindness to this week. List the ways you can do it. Ask God to give you the opportunity to show kindness to one of them each day.