Latest / HAVE FAITH LET IT BEGIN® / Finding God in a World That Never Stops ten part series Ep2 Kindness isn't Weakness

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Finding God in a World That Never Stops ten part series Ep2 Kindness isn't Weakness · HAVE FAITH LET IT BEGIN®

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  Welcome to Have Faith, Let It Begin. This is Ariel Santana.
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  Can you believe I'm seven years old already? I'm old enough now to introduce my dad.
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  Ladies and gentlemen, your host, my dad, Angel Santana.
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  Hello, everyone, and welcome to Have Faith, Let It Begin. Welcome back.
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  My name is Angel Santana, and I'm so grateful that you've joined me today.
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  Welcome to Slow Down, Finding God in a World That Never Stops,
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  a 10-part devotional journal and series designed to help you pause,
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  breathe, and discover God's presence in the middle of everyday life. This is episode two.
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  Yesterday, we talked about slowing down enough to notice the miracles that God places in front of us.
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  Today, we're taking the next step.
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  We're going to talk about kindness. Not the kind of kindness that's based on
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  convenience, but the kind of kindness that reflects the heart of Christ.
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  Because someone or somewhere along the line or along the way,
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  our world started believing that kindness is weakness.
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  And the Bible tells us a very different story.
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  Let's get started.
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  Here's a biblical perspective. Our primary scripture today will come from Proverbs 15, verse 1.
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  A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
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  King Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom, understood something that still holds true today.
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  Our words have incredible power. they can calm a storm or create one.
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  The book of Proverbs was written to teach God's people how to live wisely.
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  This verse reminds us the strength isn't found in speaking the loudest or winning every argument.
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  True wisdom is displayed through self-control and gentleness.
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  Now, let's look at the life of Jesus.
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  Matthew 11, verse 29. Jesus says, take my yoke upon you and learn from me for
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  I am gentle and humble in the heart and you will find rest for your souls.
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  Think about that. The king of kings described himself as gentle, not weak. Gentle.
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  Jesus had all authority, all power, all wisdom.
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  Yet he chose compassion over cruelty, grace over pride, and love over revenge. That's not weakness.
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  That's strength completely surrendering or surrendered to God.
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  Have you noticed how quickly people react today? Someone cuts us off in traffic.
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  A harsh comment appears online.
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  A disagreement turns into an argument.
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  Too often our first instinct is to respond immediately.
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  But what if slowing down, even for a few seconds, could completely change the outcome?
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  Kindness gives us that pause. Kindness allows us to choose grace before anger.
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  Jesus did this consistently. And people insulted him, questioned him, rejected him.
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  Yet he continued to respond with truth wrapped in love.
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  Imagine if every conversation began with this question, how can I reflect Jesus in this moment?
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  Would our homes be different? Would our workplaces feel different?
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  Would our churches become places where healing happens instead of division?
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  Kindness doesn't ignore the truth.
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  It delivers truth with love. It doesn't mean we never disagree.
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  It means we never forget that the person standing in front of us is someone deeply loved by God.
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  Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is lower your voice.
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  Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is apologize. And sometimes the greatest
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  victory isn't proving that you're right.
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  It's preserving the relationship. Thank you.
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  When we slow down, we make room for kindness. And kindness opens doors that anger never could.
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  So here's a heart check for you. Let's pause together.
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  Is there someone you've spoken to harshly this week? Have your words reflected the heart of Jesus?
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  When people interact with you, do they leave feeling encouraged or defeated?
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  Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart today.
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  Ask Him to reveal any place where kindness has been replaced with frustration, impatience, or pride.
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  So, here is your faith challenge for today.
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  Choose one intentional act of kindness, not because someone deserves it,
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  but because Christ first showed kindness to you.
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  Send a text encouraging someone. Write a thank you note. Call someone who has been on your heart.
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  Offer forgiveness. Smile at
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  someone who looks discouraged Or simply stop long enough to truly listen,
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  At the end of the day, ask yourself Did someone experience the love of Jesus
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  because of the way I treated them today?
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  Kindness isn't weakness It's Christ-like It's Christ-like strength under control,
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  Carry that way with you today Here's your closing thought.
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  Our world has enough criticism, enough division, enough anger.
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  Followers of Jesus are called to offer something different.
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  Kindness doesn't make us less courageous. Makes us more Christ-like.
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  And perhaps the greatest testimony we can give isn't found in the arguments
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  we win, but in the love we chose to show.
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  So slow down today. Choose gentleness. Choose grace. Choose kindness.
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  Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us perfect kindness through your Son, Jesus Christ.
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  Forgive us for the times we've allowed anger, impatience, or pride to guide our words and actions.
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  Teach us to respond with gentleness, wisdom, and compassion.
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  Help us remember that every person we meet is created in your image and worthy of dignity and respect.
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  May our words bring healing. May our actions reflect your love.
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  And may people see Jesus in us through the kindness we chose every single day.
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  We ask this in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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  Amen. So before I leave you today, I'd like to personally invite you to join
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  me this Sunday, this Sunday, August 9th at First Reformed Church.
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  Here, I'll be sharing a message and it's titled, finding peace in the world
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  that never stops. Sound familiar?
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  If today's conversation encouraged you, I believe this message will continue
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  that journey as we discover what God's word teaches about slowing down,
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  choosing peace, and walking with Christ.
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  And if you're in the area, we'd love to welcome you.
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  Thank you for listening to Have Faith, Let It Begin. You know what?
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  We're a federally registered trademark, and it's about real people,
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  real stories, real faith.
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  That's what we do here. Until next time, keep your faith.
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  Slow our pace, and let God lead the way. Until next time, may God be with you. May he bless you.
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  In Jesus' name we pray. And never forget, have faith.