What a great time we've had, and now we've packed, tidied, and are ready to leave. But... just enough time dwell on Scripture...We described our mission this week as doing 'Acts of Kindness', and Pastor Kevin had reminded us that 'kindness leads to repentance'. I really like these phrases because they fit with our church values, particularly our understanding of servanthood, inclusion, and love. So let's look at some scripture.
In Romans 2:4 Paul asks the question ' do you presume on the riches of Gods kindness... not knowing that his kindness is meant to lead you to repentence?'. Seems like there are at least two ways that we can apply this to the mission field. First, we may read from the viewpoint of an evangelist seeking to reach the lost, in this case we trust that our acts of kindness are pointing to God's kindness, and that in doing this we earn a right to share the gospel with people. This week we've seen at least one person come to God in this way.
The second viewpoint is more reflective, and concerns personal discipleship, let me explain. When we read the verse in context, we find that Paul confronts those who are judgemental of others yet don't acknowledge their own sin (2:1). Perhaps this reminds us also of the way Jesus challenged those who try to remove a speck from someones eye, but don't accept that they have a plank in their own! Here, in Romans, Paul descibes them as hardhearted (2:5). Verse 4 suggests that those who don't examine themselves are actually "presuming" on Gods kindness. So here's the application to personal discipleship; when you offer an act of kindness, be reminded of the kindness that God gives to you. Confess your weaknesses, and don't judge those in need as being any less worthy than yourself. A fruit of mission is that we are forced to examine ourselves, our motives, attitudes, and weaknesses. In other words, we lead ourselves into confession and repentance through the acts of kindness that we do, because this reminds us of God's kindness to us.
So, does kindness lead to repentance? Yes, it does. And we've learned this week that kindness leads to repentance in both the giver of kindness, and the receiver. Seems that if you want to get closer to God, doing acts of kindness would be a good place to start!
Hello and hopefully Good Morning to the London team! I miss you all SO much and It was so VERY hard saying goodbye to you all this past afternoon! It's amazing how you can meet a group of teens from all the way in London and become such good friends, and even feel like family in such a short week. Your team has been such a blessing to me personally and I loved how much you guys allowed me to come along and serve with you. You all made me feel like family and I really appreciate that. It was so awesome even to see the growth in all of you throughout the week! I feel blessed being able to witness and be a part of that! God has so many blessings for all of you because of your obedience and willingness to serve him this past week. As you go back home remember all that you have learned and experienced with God. Keep applying all that you have learned in your everyday life back at home and keep pressing into God. Be bold and don't be afraid to share the awesome testimonies of God's faithfulness and blessings to others. He is always with you and loves you SO much! He is so happy with you for all your selfless acts of kindness that you have done unto the Lord this week (without much complaining either!) You have impacted so many people in just this one week!
ReplyDeleteYou are such an awesome group of people and Thank you SO much again for letting me tag along and get to know all you guys this week! I promise I will be visiting soon and I know that God has put a special place in my heart for London and all of you. Once again it has been such a blessing getting to know all of you and I love you all SO much! I pray that God continues to do a mighty work in all your lives as well as use this trip to do incredible things back at Battersea!
Hi All Hope God has carried You back safely look forward to seeing You All on Sunday Pray God continues to Bless You All
ReplyDeleteLove In Jesus Name Robert