94) You Can't Bootstrap Kindness

Overview Personal story illustrates impact of kind communication in a church setting, highlighting the surprise of a young girl previously unfamiliar with such interactions. Biblical foundation for kindness rooted in Ephesians 4:31-32 emphasizes need for cooperation with the Holy Spirit for genuine transformation. Three root causes of unkindness identified: lack of modeling, hurt from trauma, and absence of a relationship with Christ. Salvation path articulated through Romans 10:9-10, underscoring the belief in Jesus' resurrection and commitment to follow Him. The Holy Spirit's role in transformation discussed, focusing on the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23, particularly kindness. Inner healing ministry highlighted as essential for addressing trauma, referencing Hebrews 4:16 for access to God's grace and James 5:14 for communal healing support. Jesus serves as the ultimate model of kindness, exemplified through His actions in the Gospel of Mark and His forgiving words while on the cross. Steps to overcome unkindness outlined: confession, breaking agreements with negativity, and seeking Holy Spirit's filling. Upcoming 'Speak Life' workshop promotes practical strategies for addressing unkind speech and fostering empowerment in individuals. Importance of seeking mature believers who display kindness as models for personal growth and transformation in faith. Biblical Foundation for Kindness (01:33 - 03:06) References Ephesians 4:31-32 as core scripture: removing bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander and replacing with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness Emphasizes cooperation with Holy Spirit rather than self-effort for sustainable kindness Speaker admits personal experience with season of bitterness and harsh words requiring Holy Spirit's work for transformation Three Root Causes of Unkindness (03:06 - 04:54) Never Been Modeled - People who have never experienced or witnessed kindness, only saw niceness when wanting something Wounded People - 'Hurting people hurt people' - those acting from pain and spiritual wounds, compared to dangerous cornered animals Need Jesus - Those without relationship with Christ lacking foundation for true kindness Salvation Message (04:54 - 06:27) Cites Romans 10:9-10 for clear salvation path: declaring Jesus as Lord and believing in resurrection Leads salvation prayer for listeners: acknowledging need for Jesus, believing in his death and resurrection, commitment to follow References Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizing salvation by grace through faith, not works Quotes Colossians 1:13-14 about rescue from darkness kingdom and transfer to God's kingdom Holy Spirit's Role in Transformation (08:03 - 09:36) Cites Galatians 5:22-23 listing fruit of Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control Emphasizes cooperation with Holy Spirit to unlearn toxic habits from 'kingdom of darkness' background Explains new believers must learn to live as new creation while unlearning old patterns Inner Healing Ministry (09:36 - 12:48) States everyone deals with trauma - both 'big T' (abandonment, betrayal, abuse) and 'little T' (embarrassment, name-calling) References Hebrews 4:16 for bold access to God's throne for mercy and grace Cites James 5:14 about calling elders for prayer and healing, extending to soul/spirit wounds References Galatians 6:2 about sharing burdens as scriptural basis for inner healing ministry ️ Jesus as Model for Kindness (16:15 - 17:54) Recommends reading Gospel of Mark for new believers to learn Jesus' example of gentleness and kindness Acknowledges Jesus' harsh words to Pharisees due to their misrepresentation of God, but notes his kindness to individuals like rich young man, woman at well, centurion Highlights Jesus' ultimate kindness: 'Father, forgive them, they don't know what they're doing' while on cross ️ Steps to Overcome Unkindness (17:54 - 20:50) Confess and Repent - Own words and actions, confess following flesh instead of Spirit, ask forgiveness for damage caused Break Enemy Agreements - Cancel agreements made with enemy regarding unkind words, gather up warfare under Jesus' feet using believer's authority Holy Spirit Filling - Ask Holy Spirit to fill places where unkindness resided and produce his fruit Action items Pray salvation prayer acknowledging Jesus as Lord and believing in his death/resurrection (04:54) Contact Carrie via comment or email to share salvation decision for encouragement (06:27) Reach out to speaker for prayer support if needed (12:48) Visit https://CarrieHurley.com under services/soul care to learn about healing sessions (14:24) Read Gospel of Mark to learn Jesus' example of kindness and gentleness (16:15) Follow three-step process: confess/repent, break enemy agreements, ask Holy Spirit filling (17:54) Register for 'Speak Life' workshop on June 22nd via https://CarrieHurley.com/workshop (22:09) Find mature believers who demonstrate fruit of the Spirit as models for kindness (17:54) Copyright Carrie Hurley All Rights Reserved All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. carriehurley.com theversething.com IG@MrsCarrieHurley