Lesson 2
I. Introduction
Have you ever done something for someone else, and immediately
find yourself telling another person about what you did? This
shows a desire on your part to obtain approval by others. We want
others to make us feel that we are thoughtful, caring people,
through their approval of what we have done. Millions of dollars
are donated to charitable institutions each year, some donations
are anonymous, others are not. Why do men seek this approval or
praise for what they have done? We as Christians need to seek
God's approval by helping our fellow man. Today's lesson is about
doing for others to enhance our own personal joy!
II. The Good Samaritan Luke 10:24-37
One of the greatest examples of helping others in the New Testament,
besides the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is the Good Samaritan.
The Samaritans were hated by the Jews because of their Heritage.
Yet we are told that this man had compassion on this victim of
thieves. He did not bind up his wounds and then parade him in
front of family and friends showing off his compassion to others.
Instead he left him in the care of the Innkeeper, paid for his
lodging and told him he would recompense him for any other expenses.
What can we see about his motive? Was it selfish or was it true
compassion for another human being? Jesus final question for the
Lawyer, gives us an insight into what Jesus wants from us. Do
likewise.
III. Do something nice for someone else, and don't tell anyone
about it.
While doing something for someone else is a wonderful experience,
doing it and not mentioning it to anyone else will not dilute
the positive feeling that you have about your own kindness. By
keeping it to yourself and God, you can retain all the positive
feelings. When we do some kindness and do not expect anything
in return, because we haven't told anyone else, the warm feelings
and the abundant joy of giving, will be dramatically increased.
IV. Spend a moment each day thinking of someone to thank. Luke
17:12-19
Gratitude and inner peace go hand in hand. But more than that,
look at the last statement of Jesus, your faith has made you whole.
We all have people in our lives that we feel grateful to: friends,
family, people from our past, teachers, people from work, etc...
We thank God for the gift of life itself and for the beauty of
the earth.
Sometimes we forget to be grateful for the little things, like
someone who allowed you to merge into traffic, someone who held
the door open for you, or a doctor or nurse who helped you when
you when you were sick. When we get up in the morning, lets try
to immediately think of someone to thank for what ever kindness
has been shown us. It seems that when we allow ourselves to slip
into a negative attitude, the first thing to go is our sense of
gratitude. What you will find is that when you make a conscious
effort to thank one person, your mind will think of another, and
then another We can also be thankful for: good health, children,
homes, careers, freedom, other Christians, the word of God, etc....
Phil. 4:6-7
V. Practice random acts of kindness.
Practicing random acts of kindness, is an effective way to get
in touch with the joy of giving without expecting anything in
return. The story is told of some people in San Francisco, paying
the tolls of other cars immediately behind at toll bridges. Drivers
would drive to the toll window, take out their money and then
be told that it had been paid by the car in front of them. Can
you imagine the impact that this tiny anonymous gift had on the
the driver of the next car? Perhaps it encouraged him to have
a better day, or caused a series of kind acts to be put in motion.
These random acts of kindness must come from the heart for them
to help you with stress and to enhance joy. You will bring to
your life contentment, positive feelings, service, kindness, love
and joy!!! Isn't this the way a Christian should live? Remember
the ultimate example that we have of giving to others-Jesus Christ.
Gal. 1:3-4, 2:20, I Tim. 2:5-6, Titus 2:14.
This week's assignment: Do something for someone and let it be
a secret between you and God!
Happy verses to reflect on: Proverbs 3:13, 14:21, 16:20, 28:14,
Psa146:5, , 29:18, John 13:17, Acts 26:2, Romans 14:22, James
5:11, I Peter 3:14.