Beyond Nice: The Heart of True Kindness

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

September 7th Sermon, Day 1

In our world today, being nice has become the standard. We smile, we hold doors, we exchange pleasantries. But God calls us to something deeper – true kindness. While niceness might be a momentary gesture, kindness is a lifelong commitment that flows from the heart.

Kindness costs us something. It requires sacrifice – our time, our comfort, our convenience. It's not about what others see or the recognition we might receive. In fact, the purest acts of kindness often happen when no one is watching.

Jesus taught this principle when He said, "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." This isn't just about charitable giving – it's about a lifestyle of selfless kindness that doesn't seek the spotlight.

God sees what others don't. He notices when you go out of your way to help a struggling colleague. He sees when you choose patience with difficult family members. He values those quiet moments when you extend grace without anyone knowing.

Today, consider how you might move beyond surface-level niceness to demonstrate true, sacrificial kindness. Remember that kindness isn't just what you do – it's who you are becoming in Christ.

Bible Verse

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." - Matthew 6:3

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life have you been content with being merely nice when God might be calling you to demonstrate deeper, more sacrificial kindness?

Quote

True kindness, as God calls us to live it, has been forgotten in a world content with being nice. But it remains an essential, often hidden calling for every believer.

Prayer

Lord, help me move beyond surface-level niceness to embody true kindness that reflects Your heart. Show me opportunities today to extend kindness that costs me something, without seeking recognition. Transform my heart so that kindness becomes not just what I do, but who I am. Amen.

Radiating Unshakable Joy

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

August 31st Sermon, Day 5

In a world characterized by anxiety, despair, and discontent, joy stands out. It's unusual, even startling, when someone maintains joy through difficult circumstances. This kind of joy serves as a powerful testimony that our hope isn't placed in temporary things but in our eternal Savior.

Unlike happiness, which fluctuates with circumstances, true joy is anchored in Christ's victory over sin and death. It declares that our security isn't in the stock market but in the Savior; our peace isn't in politics but in God's promises; our contentment isn't in possessions but in God's presence.

While complete, perfect joy awaits us in heaven—where God will wipe away every tear—we can experience genuine joy even now through the Holy Spirit. And we're called not only to receive this joy but to radiate it to others.

When we display joy in the midst of trials, people notice. They wonder what makes us different. This creates natural opportunities to share about the hope we have in Christ. Our joy becomes a beacon that draws others to the light of Jesus.

Today, remember that your joy isn't just for your benefit—it's a powerful witness to a watching world. Let your unshakable joy point others to the unshakable God who is its source.

Bible Verse

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Revelation 21:4

Reflection Question

How might your joy in difficult circumstances serve as a witness to others, and what specific situation in your life right now presents an opportunity to display this kind of unshakable joy?

Quote

"As followers of Jesus Christ, we're called not only to receive joy, but to radiate it."

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy that cannot be shaken by circumstances. Help me to radiate this joy even in difficult times, that others might be drawn to You. Use my life as a testimony to Your goodness and faithfulness. May my joy point others to Jesus, the source of all true joy. Amen.

Connected to the Source

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

August 31st Sermon, Day 4

Plants cannot thrive when disconnected from their source of nourishment. Similarly, our joy withers when we're disconnected from God. Jesus used this exact metaphor in John 15, comparing Himself to a vine and us to branches. The message is clear: remaining connected to Him is essential for bearing fruit—including the fruit of joy.

This connection isn't automatic or passive. It requires intentional cultivation through prayer, Scripture, worship, and community. When we neglect these spiritual practices, our joy gradually diminishes, not because God withholds it, but because we've distanced ourselves from its source.

Jesus explicitly stated that He taught about this connection so that His joy might be in us and our joy might be complete. He wants us to experience the fullness of joy that comes from abiding in Him. This joy isn't dependent on circumstances but flows from our relationship with the One who never changes.

Today, consider how connected you feel to Jesus. Have you been nurturing that relationship, or has busyness or distraction created distance? Remember that joy isn't something you have to chase or manufacture—it naturally flows when you're connected to its source.

Bible Verse

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5

Reflection Question

What specific spiritual practices help you feel most connected to God, and how might you intentionally incorporate more of these into your daily routine to cultivate joy?

Quote

"Jesus said, ‘Remain connected to me, like a branch remains connected to the vine.’ And that's the only way it can bear fruit. And then Jesus said this, ‘I've told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.’"

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the vine that gives me life and joy. Forgive me for the times I've tried to produce fruit on my own. Help me to remain deeply connected to You through prayer, Your Word, and fellowship with other believers. May Your joy flow through me as I abide in You. Amen.

Gratitude: The Gateway to Joy

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

August 31st Sermon, Day 3

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to maintain joy even in difficult circumstances? What's their secret? Research suggests a powerful connection between gratitude and joy—one that the Bible has taught all along.

Gratitude isn't just a nice sentiment; it's a transformative practice that opens our hearts to joy. When we choose to focus on what we have rather than what we lack, something shifts in our perspective. We begin to see God's goodness all around us, even in challenging times.

Interestingly, we often think that joyful people are naturally grateful, but the truth is actually the reverse: grateful people become joyful. Gratitude isn't the result of joy; it's the pathway to joy.

Jesus understood this principle. In Luke 10, when His disciples returned excited about their spiritual power, Jesus redirected their focus to what truly mattered—their salvation. He wanted them to root their joy in God's greatest gift, not in temporary experiences or abilities.

Today, consider starting a gratitude practice. Each day, identify three specific things you're thankful for. They don't have to be big or impressive—just authentic. As you train your mind to notice God's gifts, you'll find that joy follows naturally.

Bible Verse

"However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." - Luke 10:20

Reflection Question

What three specific blessings can you identify in your life right now that you might be taking for granted, and how might intentionally giving thanks for these things cultivate joy in your heart?

Quote

"Practicing gratitude invites joy into our lives."

Prayer

Gracious God, open my eyes to see Your goodness in my life. Forgive me for focusing on what I lack rather than appreciating what You've given. Help me develop a habit of gratitude that leads to genuine joy. Thank You for Your countless blessings, especially for the gift of salvation. Amen.

Restored to Joy

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

August 31st Sermon, Day 2

Sin has a way of stealing our joy. When we choose our own path instead of God's, we experience guilt, shame, and a sense of separation from our Creator. These feelings suffocate the joy that God intends for us to have.

King David understood this reality deeply. After his sin with Bathsheba, he felt the crushing weight of guilt and the absence of joy. In Psalm 51, we see his heartfelt prayer for restoration. David didn't just ask for forgiveness; he specifically asked God to restore the joy of his salvation.

This teaches us something profound: joy is tied to our salvation. When we confess our sins and experience God's forgiveness, joy returns. It's not that God withholds joy as punishment, but rather that our own guilt and shame create barriers that block our experience of it.

The beautiful truth is that God is always ready to restore our joy. No matter how far we've strayed or how deeply we've sinned, His forgiveness is available, and with it comes the return of joy. Today, if you're feeling distant from God or lacking joy, consider whether unconfessed sin might be the barrier. God is waiting with open arms to restore you.

Bible Verse

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." - Psalm 51:10-12

Reflection Question

Is there an area of your life where unconfessed sin might be robbing you of joy, and what step can you take today toward confession and restoration?

Quote

"David realized that sin had actually robbed him of joy, which it always does every single time. Guilt and shame and separation from God suffocate joy."

Prayer

Merciful God, I confess the sins that have created distance between us. Thank You for Your unfailing forgiveness. Restore to me the joy of my salvation, and help me to walk in freedom and obedience. Renew a right spirit within me, that I might experience the fullness of joy You intend. Amen.