Be Careful How You Treat Them (From our 11-9-25 Worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/ZVDa3xPFXlw

Summary: “Be Careful How You Treat Them”

Introduction: The Power of Simple Kindness

• The sermon opens with a true story of Ruth Reed, a woman in New Jersey who made a resolution to bless others.
• One day she paid for a man’s food at Wawa—who turned out to be country singer Keith Urban.
• The story illustrates that the world is starving for kindness, and small acts of compassion can shine light into darkness.
• Jesus calls His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16 ESV).
• The preacher asks, “How will they taste and see without kindness?” Kindness is how the world experiences God’s love through us.

Personal Story: A Stranger Named George

• The preacher recalls meeting a man named George Rolls, a traveling drifter who claimed the Holy Spirit brought him to church.
• George was warmly welcomed by the congregation, stayed a few days, and deeply appreciated the kindness shown to him.
• Later, the preacher saw George walking down the road pulling a cart that said “Jesus loves you” and “John 3:16.”
• This encounter led to reflection: What if this man was more than he appeared?—prompting the message “Be Careful How You Treat Them.”

1. They Might Be Angels

• Scripture: Hebrews 13:1–2 ESV — “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
• The focus is not just on angels, but also on love and hospitality—meeting others with generous enthusiasm.
• The preacher compares this to “mystery shoppers”: What if God sends “mystery visitors” to test our compassion?
• The lesson: Be kind to all, because we may never know who God has sent across our path.

2. They Might Be God (or His Concern)

• Scripture: Luke 2:41–47 ESV — Jesus as a 12-year-old in the temple.
• For three days, people in Jerusalem likely fed or sheltered the Son of God without realizing it.
• The preacher emphasizes God’s love for children, quoting passages about protecting “little ones.”
• Lesson: Be careful how you treat the young and vulnerable—God cares deeply for them.

3. They Might Be “Nobodies”

• Scripture: Matthew 25:31–40 ESV — “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
• Those considered “nobodies” by society are precious to God.
• Showing compassion to the overlooked reveals a heart aligned with God’s love.
• True kindness isn’t natural—it’s spiritual, learned from God, not the world.

4. They Might Give You a Chance to Serve

• Scripture: Luke 10:25–37 ESV — The Good Samaritan.
• Serving others rarely happens at a convenient time.
• The Samaritan was busy, yet stopped to show mercy—just as Jesus gave His time on the cross when it wasn’t “convenient.”
• Every act of kindness may be a God-given opportunity to serve Him and to grow in faith.

5. They Might Become the Next Christian

• Scripture: John 4:1–42 ESV — Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.
• Jesus reached across social barriers, offering living water and transforming her life.
• She became a witness, leading many others to believe.
• Lesson: We never know who might respond to kindness and become a follower of Christ through our compassion.

Conclusion: Kindness as a Vessel for the Gospel

• Kindness opens the door for people to see Jesus through us.
• It is how we reflect His love, break through bitterness, and invite others into the family of faith.
• The closing appeal: “Be careful how you treat them.”
  Every person—angel, child, stranger, or “nobody”—could be part of God’s plan.