Galatians 5:22-23

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 

To know God is to understand his kindness.  Jeremiah 9:23-24

• God “exercises” his kindness (hesed) liberally not hesitantly.
  • Rooted in the idea of compassion to friend, family, and stranger. HBD
  • It is a mindset of meeting the needs of others.

• This kindness is in light of his justice and righteousness.
  • Justice- in bringing account to the guilty and vindication to victim.
  • Righteousness- in restoring right-relatedness with him.

• Biblical example of man understanding God. 2 Samuel 9:1-8
  • David was a man who walked with God and the Spirit was upon him. 1 Samuel 16:13
  • David had every right (justice) to be bitter and vengeful towards Saul’s offspring.
  • David instead showed kindness to Mephibosheth.
  • This brought healing to two households—righteousness.
  • A united nation.

Kindness serves the greater purpose of leading people to repentance. 

Romans 2:1-4

• Misunderstanding God is to judge someone in ignorant hypocrisy. (3)
  
  
• Misunderstanding God is to forget God’s kindness shown to you. (4a)
  
  
• Misunderstanding God is to neglect the journey he took you on to get you to the place of repentance. (4b)

*Illustration: unwarranted pizza.  

God’s expectation of us is to conform to what pleases him.  Micah 6:8

Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

• God is pleased by one who acts justly.
  • Living as one who lives a standard fairness regardless of account.

• God is pleased by the one who loves kindness (hesed).
  • Being a person who is driven to meet the needs of others—friend or foe.

• God is pleased by the one who walks humbly with God.
  • Living as a person who understands their constant need of God’s guidance, correction, and presence because repentance brings a new path.

Titus 3:4-7 ⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 

Discussion Guide:

1. What is the greatest act of kindness you have ever received? What was the impact it had on you?
2. Read 1 Samuel 9. What are some of the ramifications of David’s act of kindness towards Mephibosheth?
3. Considering Romans 2:1-4, how does kindness by God and through his church lead others to repentance?
4. Read Jeremiah 9:23-24. How is it that we understand God more by considering his kindness?  How do we evidence a personal misunderstanding of God by a lack of kindness in our own lives? 
5. In light of Micah 6:8, why is kindness, justice, righteousness, and walking humbly with God his expectation of us? What is God desiring to accomplish in us and through us by this challenge?