Digging Deeper Devotionals Week of May 13th

Day 1

Kindness Towards Enemies

Read: Luke 6:27-36

Background:

In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples about radical love and kindness, urging them to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, bless those who curse them, pray for those who mistreat them, and give to everyone who asks. He emphasizes that such actions reflect the character of God, who is kind even to the ungrateful and wicked.

Key Words:

1. Kind (Greek: G5543, χρηστός, chrestos) – kind, good, gracious, benevolent; denotes one who is well-disposed, gentle, and compassionate.
2. Love (Greek: G25, ἀγαπάω, agapao) – to love unconditionally and sacrificially, seeking the highest good for others regardless of their response.

Theological Truths:

1. God’s kindness extends beyond those who deserve it, reflecting His unconditional love for all humanity.
2. Practicing kindness and love towards others, especially enemies, demonstrates the transformative power of Christ’s teachings and aligns us with the character of God.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does Jesus’ command to love our enemies challenge your understanding of kindness and love?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate kindness and love to those who mistreat you or hold differing views?

3. How does reflecting on God’s unconditional love for you inspire you to extend kindness to others, even when it’s difficult?

Application:

Choose one person who has mistreated you or whom you find it hard to love, and intentionally demonstrate kindness towards them today, whether through a kind gesture, a prayer for their well-being, or a compassionate response.

Day 2

Kindness in Bearing Burdens

Read: Galatians 6:1-10

Background:

In this passage, Paul instructs the Galatian believers on the importance of bearing one another’s burdens and restoring those who have fallen into sin with a spirit of gentleness. He emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, encouraging them to persist in doing good, especially towards fellow believers. Paul also highlights the significance of perseverance and not growing weary in doing good, for in due season, they will reap if they do not give up.

Key Words:

1. Patience (Greek: G3115μακροθυμία, makrothumia) – endurance, patience, long-suffering; the ability to endure difficult circumstances or people without losing one’s temper or becoming resentful.
2. Do Good (Greek: G18, ἀγαθός, agathos) – good, useful, beneficial; refers to actions that are morally excellent, virtuous, and beneficial to others.

Theological Truths:

1. Patience is essential in the Christian life, especially when dealing with fellow believers who have fallen into sin, as it reflects God’s patient, benevolent and merciful character towards us.
2. Doing good to others, even when it’s challenging or inconvenient, is a vital expression of love, kindness, and obedience to God’s commandments.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do you understand the concept of patience in bearing one another’s burdens and restoring those who have fallen into sin?

2. In what ways do you find it difficult to persevere in doing good, especially towards those who may have wronged you or fallen short of God’s standards?

3. Reflect on a time when someone showed patience and kindness to you when you were struggling. How did their actions impact you, and how can you emulate their example in your interactions with others?

Application:

Identify one person in your life who is going through a challenging time or who may have fallen into sin, and commit to walking alongside them with patience, encouragement, and support. Pray for them daily and look for practical ways to bear their burdens and demonstrate Christ’s love to them.

Day 3

Kindness Builds Harmony

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-17

Background:

In this passage, Peter addresses the believers, urging them to live in harmony with one another, showing sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind, all characteristics of kindness. He encourages them to repay evil with blessing, knowing that they were called to inherit a blessing. Peter emphasizes the importance of being prepared to give a defense for their hope in Christ with gentleness and respect, even in the face of persecution or suffering for righteousness’ sake.

Key Words:

1. Harmony (Greek: G3675, ὁμόφρων, homophron) – of one mind, like-minded, sympathetic; denotes being united in spirit and purpose, displaying empathy and understanding towards one another.
2. Blessing (Greek: G2129, εὐλογία, eulogia) – praise, blessing, benefit; refers to God’s favor, grace, and goodness bestowed upon believers, especially in the context of spiritual blessings and salvation.

Theological Truths:

1. Benevolence (kindness) builds unity and harmony among believers, which are essential for the witness of the Church and the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth.
2. Blessing those who persecute us or treat us unjustly reflects the benevolence of God through Christ’s sacrificial love and demonstrates our identity as His followers, trusting in God’s ultimate justice and vindication.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do you strive to cultivate harmony and unity through benevolence within your Christian community or among believers you interact with regularly?

2. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or mistreatment for your faith. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience about trusting in God’s promises?

3. In what ways can you actively bless those who mistreat you or hold different beliefs from yours, demonstrating Christ’s love and seeking reconciliation?

Application:

Choose one person or group of people whom you find it challenging to maintain harmony or unity with, and intentionally reach out to them with kindness, empathy, and a willingness to understand their perspective. Pray for God’s grace and wisdom to navigate any conflicts or misunderstandings, seeking to reflect His love and pursue reconciliation in your relationships.

Day 4

Living Out God’s Benevolence

Read: Micah 6:8

Background:

In Micah 6:8, the prophet Micah delivers a profound message from God, outlining what the Lord requires of His people. It emphasizes the importance of living justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. These principles encapsulate the essence of true devotion and righteousness before God, guiding believers in their conduct and relationship with Him and others.

Key Words:

1. Justice (Hebrew: H4941, מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) – judgment, ordinance, justice; denotes acting in accordance with what is right and fair, upholding the rights of others, and promoting righteousness in society.
2. Mercy (Hebrew: H2617, חֶסֶד, checed) – kindness, loving-kindness, mercy; refers to God’s steadfast love and compassion towards His people, as well as the gracious attitude believers are called to demonstrate towards others.

Theological Truths:

1. God’s desire for His people goes beyond religious rituals or external acts of worship; He values authentic devotion expressed through righteous living and compassion towards others.
2. Justice and mercy are integral aspects of God’s character and kingdom, and He calls His followers to reflect these qualities in their attitudes and actions, both towards Him and their fellow human beings.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does Micah 6:8 challenge your understanding of what it means to live a righteous and godly life? In what ways do you prioritize justice and mercy in your daily interactions and decision-making?

2. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s mercy and compassion in a tangible way. How did that encounter shape your understanding of His character and your response to others in need?

3. Consider areas of injustice or inequality in your community or the world at large. What practical steps can you take to advocate for justice and demonstrate God’s love and compassion to those who are marginalized or oppressed?

Application:

Take time to meditate on Micah 6:8 and ask God to reveal areas in your life where you need to align your actions more closely with His requirements of justice, mercy, and humility. Seek opportunities to actively engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and advocacy for those who are marginalized or in need, demonstrating God’s love in tangible ways to those around you.

Day 5

The Gift of Kindness

Read: Ephesians 4:25-32

Background:

In Ephesians 4:25-32, the apostle Paul provides practical instructions for Christian living, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness, integrity, and sharing in relationships within the body of Christ. He urges believers to put off falsehood and embrace honesty, to control their anger and speak words that build others up, and to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and compassion, imitating God’s love and grace.

Key Words:

1. Share (Greek: G3348, μετέχω, metechō) – to partake, share, participate; conveys the idea of actively participating in something together with others, particularly in the context of sharing resources, burdens, or blessings with fellow believers.
2. Grace (Greek: G5485, χάρις, charis) – grace, favor, kindness; denotes God’s unmerited favor and divine enablement given to believers for their salvation and sanctification, empowering them to live in accordance with His will and to extend grace to others.

Theological Truths:

1. Sharing and generosity are expressions of God’s love at work in the lives of believers, enabling them to actively participate in the needs and joys of others, fostering unity and mutual support within the body of Christ. As recipients of God’s abundant blessings, Christians are called to share their resources and talents generously with others, embodying the spirit of Christ-like giving.
2. God’s grace is the foundation of Christian life and community, providing believers with the undeserved favor and empowerment needed to live victoriously and to extend grace and forgiveness to others. Through grace, believers experience reconciliation with God and with one another, overcoming divisions and conflicts, and embodying the unity and peace of Christ.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does Ephesians 4:25-32 challenge your commitment to truthfulness and integrity in your words and actions? In what areas of your life do you struggle to uphold the standard of honesty and sincerity?

2. Reflect on a time when you experienced the joy of sharing with others or receiving the generosity of someone else. How did that encounter impact your understanding of Christian community and your willingness to share with others in need?

3. Consider any opportunities you have to share your resources, time, or talents with those around you. How can you apply the principles of sharing outlined in Ephesians 4:25-32 to demonstrate Christ-like generosity and compassion towards others?

Application:

Take proactive steps to share your blessings with others, whether through financial contributions, acts of service, or offering a listening ear to those in need. Look for opportunities to share your time, talents, and resources with members of your church community or individuals facing hardship, recognizing that sharing is not only a practical expression of love but also a means of building unity and mutual support within the body of Christ. Additionally, seek to extend grace and forgiveness to those who may have wronged you, recognizing that God’s grace has been freely given to you and empowering you to extend that same grace to others.