KINDNESS - Champions by the Fruit of the SpiritSample

Kindness vs Detachment

Bible story: Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:8-22)

Theme Verse: Proverbs 3:27

Today we are learning about detachment versus kindness. Detachment is an attitude of disengagement, or failing to make a connection. It brings separation instead of unity. Instead of showing kindness to someone, we say, "It is not my problem." We have become more and more detached. We stay in family units and do not feel obligated to help those who are outside our own group. However, that is not how God wants us to live.

One example of kindness would be the Afghan code of honor known as Pashtunwali, where a tribe is required to undertake the responsibility of safeguarding an individual against his enemies and protecting him at all costs. There are stories where Afghans actually died protecting someone they did not know. Another example of kindness instead of detachment would be international maritime law. It is actually required by law to stop and help someone in need on the ocean. Instead of being a code of honor, or just instinct, mariners are obligated to assist someone they have never met. Should we do extraordinary things to help those in need, even where there is no code or law obligating us?

In today’s Bible story, Ruth's husband died, as well as her father-in-law and brother-in-law. In their family, only her mother-in-law Naomi and sister-in-law Orpah remained. Neither Ruth nor Orpah had children. Naomi decided to make a trip back to her homeland, and told both girls that they did not need to go with her, but could return to their families and remarry. Neither girl wanted to leave Naomi, but after some persuasion, Orpah decided to head back to her family. Ruth, however, was not persuaded and was determined to stay with Naomi.

Ruth traveled with Naomi, and helped her set up home when they arrived. She also started working in the fields to provide food for them both. Ruth did what she could to support and help her mother-in-law, but actually went way beyond the normal. In the end, with God's blessing, Ruth was able to remarry in a way to carry on Naomi's family line. Her first child carried the name for Naomi's husband, and so Ruth showed much kindness to Naomi. She did not tell Naomi "it is not my problem," but instead showed kindness and went beyond the normal in her actions and words. Shall we also be like Ruth in kindness, instead of detachment?

Questions:

1. What laws does your society have where you are responsible to help those in need?

2. In your society, in what ways do people often say, "It is not my problem" and refuse to help?

3. What does unity in the body of Christ look like?

Life Application:

Find someone to help, especially if they are “not your problem.” Give to a homeless person on the street, or maybe a child at school needs a new pencil or eraser. Make sure they are not related to you, and that you have no responsibility or need to help them.