Sermon from Sunday 14 June

 

Reading(s): Romans 5:1-8 and Matthew 9:35-10:8. This sermon was given by Ann Devereux at All Saints and St Mark. This was Ann’s final sermon in the parish. We thank her for all that she has done for us and wish her well in her new role.

Before we begin, I have a confession to make. Over time, I’ve discovered that one of the most powerful forces in the world isn’t artificial intelligence, social media, or even, next-day delivery.

It is in fact, the person who lets you out at a busy junction. You’ve been waiting for ages, nobody seems willing to give way, and then suddenly a stranger flashes their lights and waves you through. For a brief moment, your faith in humanity is restored. You don’t know their name, you’ll probably never see them again, but their small act of kindness changes your day. It’s amazing how often the smallest gestures have the greatest impact. A kind word, a welcoming smile, or a helping hand when it’s most needed. These moments rarely make the news, yet they have the power to transform lives.

Today I want to reflect on two qualities that sit at the very heart of the Christian life: kindness, and generosity of heart. Because when we look at Jesus, we discover that God’s love is not merely something to believe in - it is something to be shared, generously, freely, and joyfully with others.

God’s generosity is shown supremely in Jesus.

The message of Jesus, is that God himself, the Word, ‘became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood’. (A translation from The Message.) In the Gospel of John it says, ‘We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out and true from start to finish’ (John 1:14).

Jesus’ commissioning of the disciples challenges us today, to see our faith as active participation in God’s mission. The task of healing, restoration, and godly leadership is not confined to Jesus alone, but is entrusted to all of us who know his peace, his grace and his salvation. With such a task, it is no wonder the helpers are few. If we take the task on ourselves, in our own strength, we will burn out and are likely to become bad-tempered and judgmental. It is through God’s love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, that we can generously share in Christ’s mission, and take it wherever we go.

Jesus went to where the people were and was moved with compassion for so many people. He didn’t just bring physical healing. Verse 36 says, “Jesus had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus modelled a leadership that was relational, and empowering, enabling others to be co-workers with him. In the Gospels, we repeatedly see that greatness in God’s kingdom is not measured by power, wealth, or status, but by love, expressed through kindness and generosity.

Kindness may seem small in the eyes of the world, yet in the eyes of God, it carries eternal weight. A gentle word, a patient response, a listening ear, a helping hand - these all become signs of God’s presence among His people. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians says: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.”… Kindness is not weakness. It takes a certain kind of strength to remain gentle in a harsh world, and grace to forgive when we feel wounded and tired. A generous heart goes even deeper. It is not just about giving money or possessions, although this is important. A generous heart gives time, mercy, encouragement, and compassion, and notices those who are forgotten. It welcomes those who feel alone and reflects the very heart of Christ.

When Jesus fed the crowds, healed the sick, and welcomed sinners, He showed that divine love. God’s love is always abundant and never stingy. We live in a world often marked by division, anger, and selfishness. However, Christians are called to become witnesses of tenderness and generosity. Sometimes the greatest act of witness is simply human kindness. Today we give thanks to God for the many kind and generous people who quietly serve within our church community here. Some of you give your time; some offer encouragement and prayers; whilst others share resources, talents, hospitality, and compassionate hearts. Your goodness reflects the love of Jesus Christ in countless ways and becomes a channel of God’s grace. Many acts of kindness also happen quietly, unseen by most people, but never unseen by God.

Your generosity strengthens our church family and reminds us that the Church is not simply a building, but a community of people loving and caring for one another. And because of your faithful hearts, newcomers feel welcomed, supported, and loved. I know, because I have really felt this myself. Thank you so much.

We see in Jesus the enormity of God’s love and generosity, and we are not called to keep it to ourselves. Not holding on to it like Gollum’s ‘precious’ in ‘The Lord of the Rings’, but to share it wholeheartedly, just as Jesus did, as he commissioned his disciples to do, and just as he calls us, his followers, to do.

Thank you for being living witnesses of Christian compassion and generosity.

To take a leaf from Vanessa’s last sermon, Christianity has gone on in this place for many years before me, and will continue for many years after me. The Church is the people who inhabit it and their willingness to connect with God, to spread compassion, and build community. None of these things would happen without every single one of you putting in your time, your energy, your love and most significantly your prayers into every event, every conversation and every service. And it is through these prayers that the Holy Spirit has woven grace into this place.

May we all learn to love as Christ loved: freely, joyfully and without counting the cost. May the Lord bless each of you for your friendship, kindness, and support, and continue to fill your hearts with peace, joy, and abundant grace.

Amen.