Fellowship of Christian Athletes -
Greek = chrestotes. Excellence in character or demeanor, gentleness, goodness.
Introduction: "Kind words produce their own image in men’s souls," said Blaise Pascal, "and a beautiful image it is. They soothe and quiet and comfort the hearer. They shame him out of his sour, morose, unkind feelings. We have not yet begun to use kind words in such abundance as they ought to be used."
- Jerry Bridges distinguishes between kindness and goodness by calling kindness the sincere desire for the happiness of others, with goodness being the activity that advances that happiness. How well, then, have you been pursuing the happiness of others lately?
- Read Proverbs 25:21-22. Whom might your enemy be? According to Ray Pritchard, God rewards those who show kindness to their enemies, and enemies are almost always close associates. How have you been able to show kindness to your enemies?
- Read II Samuel 9:1-13. David had a deep desire to pursue kindness. The son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, called himself a "dead dog." He was amazed that the king would be so kind. What types of things jumped out at you as this story was read aloud?
- Read Ephesians 2:1-10. In the context of this passage on the saving grace of God, the kindness of God is identified in Christ Jesus. What aspects of Christ’s kindness speak most strongly to you?
- Kindness on the playing field sometimes may be frowned upon, but athletes throughout the FCA clearly do possess this fruit of the Spirit. Whom is the kindest athlete you know?
Memory verse: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
Conclusion: Psychologist Alfred Alder, in a story told by author James W. Moore, once guaranteed a 14-day cure for loneliness by placing an ad in the newspaper. A woman showed up with the ad in hand and asked if that was true. Dr. Adler said that it was. "For 14 consecutive days," he said, "I want you to go out and do something kind for somebody else." The woman asked why. "In your case," Dr. Adler replied, "it might take 21 days."
