God's Virtues
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
Luke 6:35; 1 John 3:16-18; Eph. 4:32
“The Magic Word”
As our seemingly-inevitable robotic uprising inches closer and closer, some concerned engineers have started thinking about how we talk to our smart home devices. We've barked orders at Alexa for too long, expecting it to set timers, deliver the weather report, or order more toilet paper. But you'd never talk to a person like that — would you? To encourage a gentler approach to our automated assistants, did you know there's a "politeness mode"? If Alexa hears a command without a "Please" attached, you'll hear the response: "What's the magic word?" Should we really be kind to our ... technology?! Maybe that's a bit extreme, but as we continue to appreciate God's good virtues, let's see the value in constantly filling our hearts with his love in all areas of our life!
God teaches us to appreciate kindness by pouring his unimaginable love and mercy into our lives.
THE BIG IDEA
We wonder in awe at the kind of sacrificial love Christ showed, as "... he laid down his life for us," leading us to "lay down our lives for the brothers" (1 John 3:16). Though we were once enemies of God in our sins (Rom. 5:10), we marvel at Jesus' mercy and willingness to suffer even for us (Luke 6:35-36).
Like a young child learns from their mom and dad's words and actions, we're educated by our Heavenly Father as his children. We follow his example and become "kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:32). When we see love and mercy on display in the world, we acknowledge and honor it — not just because it’s polite, but because of its divine source.
Who would disagree that kindness is good? We all know that warm and welcoming feeling when someone treats us well. And while not everyone’s easy to be kind to, let's reflect the light of God's love throughout our lives, one "magic word" at a time.
Is there someone that you've struggled to be kind to?
THE BIG QUESTION
Kindness
Fill Your Heart With God's Love
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “The Magic Word” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
Who's your favorite unkind fictional character?
ACT I
FINDING JESUS — 2 Samuel 9
Where do you see Jesus in this passages?
Would this passage serve well as an illustration of something about Christ’s character, kindness, or kingdom?
What can we learn from this text about mercy and generosity?Is there anything else here you find helpful or interesting? Anything you’ve never noticed before — or have always loved about these words?
ACT II
Here’s the Story — Abigail
In your own words, summarize each section of the story identified below.In group studies, take turns summarizing the sections until the group has told the whole story. Then discuss your answers to the questions at the bottom.1 Sam. 25:1-31 Sam. 25:4-81 Sam. 25:9-131 Sam. 25:14-221 Sam. 25:23-311 Sam. 25:32-42
The inspired author highlights the contrast between Nabal and Abigail. What are some of the differences you see between them?What are some differences between how David handles the conflict and how Abigail does?How does Abigail illustrate the role of wisdom, thoughtfulness, and situational awareness in “kindness”? Did Abigail’s actions show kindness to Nabal? Explain your answer. What’s the main point of this passage? What key truths should we take away from the story?ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
How has a kind response changed a tense situation for you?
WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Be an undercover agent of kindness for someone this week.
REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: “May we imitate your kind and tender heart” (Eph. 4:32-5:1).
NEXT SESSION — Honesty
Prepare by reading John 8:32; Prov. 12:22; 1 Peter 3:10-12