Counter-Cultural Living

Part 2: Pastor Michael Dascoli

9-13-2020

“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”. Galatians 5:22

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

Kindness = love in action

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” He replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. Luke 10:25-31

3-Possible Attitudes Toward People

First attitude: I can keep my distance

V 32: “So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.”

Second attitude: I am aware, but I don't care

Third attitude: I can show kindness

V 33, “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

How do we become a kinder people?

1: I must start with my heart (V 25)

App: Confess the problem

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:8-9

2: I must be willing to see needs (V 32)

App: I must eliminate hurry from my life

3: I must be willing to listen (V 33: “took pity😊

V 34: He went to the man and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Let’s Pray:

-What is God’s Spirit saying to you today?

-How must you respond?