Lesson 3—Starting a Conversation—Kindness
LESSON 3
Principle: “Love is... kind.”—
(1 Corinthians 13.4: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up,)
What Jesus Did
1. Watch the VIDEO, Or Read Then consider the following questions:
(John 9.1-7: As he was passing along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. And his disciples asked him: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, so that he was born blind?” Jesus answered: “Neither this man sinned nor his parents, but it was so that the works of God might be made manifest in his case. We must do the works of the One who sent me while it is day; the night is coming when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the world’s light.” After he said these things, he spat on the ground and made a paste with the saliva, and he smeared the paste on the man’s eyes and said to him: “Go wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated “Sent Forth”). And he went and washed, and came back seeing.)
a. What did Jesus do first—heal the blind man or share the good news with him?—See
(John 9.35-38: Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and on finding him, he said: “Are you putting faith in the Son of man?” The man answered: “And who is he, sir, so that I may put faith in him?” Jesus said to him: “You have seen him, and in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” He said: “I do put faith in him, Lord.” And he did obeisance to him.)
b. Why might Jesus’ approach have made the man more responsive to the good news?
What Do We Learn From Jesus?
2. A person will be more likely to listen to our message if he senses that we care about him.
Imitate Jesus
3. Empathize with the person. Try to imagine how he feels.
a. Ask yourself: ‘What may he be concerned about? What might he find helpful and appealing?’ Doing so will help you to show kindness in a natural and sincere manner.
b. Show that you care about what matters to a person by listening. If he tells you how he feels about something or mentions a problem he is facing, do not change the subject.
4. Speak kindly and respectfully. When you feel compassion for the person and truly want to help him, it will come through in the way you speak. Choose your words and tone of voice carefully, and avoid saying things that could offend.
5. Be helpful. Look for appropriate opportunities to help the person in practical ways. Acts of kindness can open the door to a conversation.
STARTING A CONVERSATION
SEE ALSO
(Romans 12.15, 16: Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set your mind on lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes.)
(Galatians 6.10: So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.)
(Hebrews 13.16: Moreover, do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others, for God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.)