Making Kindness a Habit | Nick Nilson | Bible Study Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Making Kindness a Habit

Nick Nilson

Lakewood Church • Oct 23, 2026 • 19 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Nick Nilson teaches that while believers are saved by grace through faith rather than good works, we are saved specifically to carry out the good works God prepared for us. Putting on love and showing kindness is an intentional daily habit that reflects Christ's character and brings His presence into everyday moments. By pausing to care for others just as the Good Samaritan did, believers become the hands and feet of Jesus, offering tangible hope that transforms communities and draws people to God.

Themes

Salvation by GraceHabits of FaithLove and KindnessSpiritual MaturityCompassion in ActionHands and Feet of Jesus

Key Points

1.
We are not saved by good works or by being kind enough, but we are saved by grace through faith to fulfill the good works God planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:8-10).
2.
Putting on love is an intentional daily habit and decision rather than something dependent on feelings (Colossians 3:14).
3.
Kindness never goes out of style and always looks good on you regardless of your age, career, or social standing.
4.
Spiritual maturity is measured by love and active mercy, not merely by performing religious duties or reading scripture.
5.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus reframes the question from "Who is my neighbor?" to "Am I being a good neighbor?"
6.
Showing kindness requires us to slow down and stop so we can become aware of the hidden hurts and struggles of others.
7.
Historically, the early church experienced explosive growth not through political power or buildings, but through Christians' radical, daily habits of compassion.
8.
Believers serve as the outstretched, ministering hands and feet of Jesus, bringing tangible hope and love to their communities.

Sermon Moments

“We are not saved by works; we are saved for good works.”

“Kindness never goes out of style, and it will always look good on you.”

“Love is the metric for spiritual maturity.”

“Two spoke a lot about mercy; one showed mercy.”

“The Samaritan stopped—may you stop more in your life and be made aware of people's hurts.”

“The gospel did not spread because of sermons; the gospel spread because the world saw Christians living with deep compassion.”

“We have been commissioned not only to express hope verbally, but to express hope tangibly.”

“I have no hands but your hands—we are the outstretched hands of Jesus in our community.”

This Week

Make a conscious choice each morning to "put on love" and intentionally choose kindness before stepping out into your day.

Look for lonely or overlooked individuals at school, work, or in public spaces and offer them warmth and conversation.

Develop a daily habit of giving at least one genuine compliment or encouraging word to a stranger or coworker.

Slow down your daily schedule enough to notice the people around you who may be fighting hidden battles.

Practice simple, practical acts of kindness throughout the week, such as holding doors, helping carry bags, or buying someone coffee.

Train your family and children to look for lonely people and be proactive friends to those who feel left out.

Ask yourself regularly whether your neighborhood, workplace, or school is noticeably better because of the kindness you bring.

Remember This

We are saved by grace through faith to be the hands and feet of Jesus, making intentional, daily kindness a habit that brings tangible hope to a hurting world.

A Challenge for You

"Is your neighborhood better because you live there? Is your school, university, or company better because you bring kindness, encouragement, and the joy of God with you? Put on kindness every single day, and pray and believe that God is going to use you to change your environment."

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.