Ooh Kill Em with Kindness

INTRODUCTION

Words and speeches

The beatitudes

OOH KILL EM’ WITH KINDNESS

Two idioms

On righteousness

THE RIGHTEOUS LIFE

Blessed are the merciful

For they shall receive __________________________________

Matthew 18:21-35; James 2:12, 13

Blessed are the pure in heart

For they shall see __________________________________

Psalm 24:3-6; Hebrews 12:14

Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS

They shall be called ___________________________________

THE INVERSION KINGDOM REVISITED

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake

1 Peter 2:23-25

FOR NOW AND LATER

I am not unaware of the frailty of human nature. I ask only that, while we may at times limp and stumble along – as happens even to the most mature, more often than anyone would wish – we should nevertheless continue to judge and value each other as Christians. But on one condition: that those who would stumble in trip up should not depart from the way of the Lord, and that no amount of stumbling should bring them to a complete halt. They should always struggled to their feet and try consciously to overcome whatever hinders their advance; although they may totter and tremble, they should never lose heart. Supposing they fall they should pick themselves up, so that, at the end, nothing may stop them pressing forward, or looking toward the kingdom of God, which is their proper goal.

John Calvin, Traité des benefices (1554), In Recuiel des opuscules (Geneva: Baptiste Pinereul, 1566), p 130.

Community Meditation

Know

• Read the story Jesus tells in Matthew 18:21-25. Who is supposed to frustrate us in the story? What is your view of the Master?
• Why is showing others mercy so hinged to being shown mercy by God.
• Discuss this quote "Purity of heart amounts to an internal integrity that manifests itself behaviorally.” Why do BOTH the motions of the heart and our actions with others matter to God?

Feel

• What does a family, community or team feel like where no one receives mercy or makes peace? Have you ever been shown mercy, grace and kindness by someone(s)? What’s that experience like? Share with your MC or family something specific.

Live

• Where has your heart become calloused, impure, hostile to the Lord? Connect this back to what we “hunger and thirst for” from Pastor Scott’s message on Matthew 5:6.
• Where do you have unforgiveness and bitterness where you need to show mercy?
• Have you avoided difficult people who need mercy?