Shownotes
This podcast episode elucidates the concept of "Radical Kindness," as derived from the teachings of 1st Peter 3, which emphasizes the imperative nature of compassion and humility in our interactions. The discourse invites listeners to reflect on the transformative power of kindness, particularly in a world that often rewards hostility and retaliation. We explore three pivotal themes: the collective responsibility to nurture a supportive community, the assertion that nonviolence is a profound form of strength, and the necessity for active engagement in peacebuilding. Each theme challenges us to transcend individualistic tendencies and to embrace a more communal approach to conflict resolution and justice. As we delve into these principles, we encourage actionable steps that promote blessing over retaliation, fostering an environment where kindness can flourish amidst adversity.
The dialogue encapsulated in this episode is a profound exploration of the biblical exhortation found in 1st Peter 3, which underscores the transformative power of radical kindness. The speakers initiate the conversation with a reading from a contemporary version of the scripture, aiming to render its message accessible to a modern audience. They delineate the virtues of being agreeable, sympathetic, loving, and humble, emphasizing that these qualities should pervade all interactions without exception. This foundational principle calls for a concerted effort towards collective compassion, challenging listeners to transcend individualistic tendencies and engage in the communal pursuit of kindness.
As the discourse progresses, the speakers delve into the theme of nonviolence as an assertive response to conflict. They articulate that abstaining from retaliation is not an act of cowardice but rather a strategic response that seeks to break the cyclical nature of violence. This perspective is contextualized within contemporary movements advocating for social justice, where nonviolent approaches serve as a catalyst for systemic change. The speakers encourage listeners to reflect on their personal conflicts, advocating for a proactive stance that fosters peace and understanding rather than perpetuating hostility.
In the concluding segments of the episode, the speakers provide actionable steps for listeners to implement the teachings discussed. They challenge individuals to identify specific instances in their lives where they can choose to bless rather than retaliate, fostering an environment where kindness prevails. The closing prayer reinforces the core tenets of the conversation, invoking divine guidance towards achieving true strength through compassion. This episode serves as a compelling reminder of the essential role that radical kindness plays in navigating the complexities of human relationships and societal challenges.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of practicing revolutionary kindness in a hostile world.
- Collective responsibility is essential, as everyone must participate in building community.
- Nonviolence is portrayed as a powerful means of resisting oppression and fostering peace.
- Active peacemaking requires vigorous pursuit rather than passive avoidance of conflict.
- The scripture encourages blessing those who oppose us, which serves as spiritual resistance.
- Engaging in difficult conversations can transform conflict into opportunities for growth.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.
You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".
Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.
Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
Transcripts
Radical Kindness a reading from 1st Peter 3.
Speaker A:8:12 on the daily Bible refresh hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the Message version Relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible study guide, the ABC123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's Today's reading from 1st Peter 3.
Speaker B:8:12 Reading from the message Suffering for doing good Summing up Be agreeable.
Speaker B:Be sympathetic.
Speaker B:Be loving.
Speaker B:Be compassionate.
Speaker A:Be humble.
Speaker B:That goes for all of you.
Speaker A:No exceptions.
Speaker B:No retaliation.
Speaker B:No sharp tongue sarcasm.
Speaker B:Instead, bless.
Speaker B:That's your job to bless.
Speaker B:You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
Speaker A:Whoever wants to embrace life and see.
Speaker B:The day fill up with good, here's what you do.
Speaker B:Say nothing evil or hurtful.
Speaker B:Snub evil and cultivate good.
Speaker B:Run after peace for all your worth.
Speaker B:God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked.
Speaker B:But he turns his back on those who do evil things well.
Speaker B:My friend, welcome to today's reflection on this passage.
Speaker B:This passage from First Peter really challenges us to practice revolutionary kindness, even in a world that often rewards hostility.
Speaker B:Let's get into some points to ponder.
Speaker B:The first is about collective responsibility.
Speaker B:The text begins with that goes for all of you.
Speaker B:No exceptions.
Speaker B:In an age of individualism and privilege, this universal call to compassion and humility is radical.
Speaker B:It reminds us that building beloved community requires everyone's participation, regardless of social status or position.
Speaker B:Second point is about Nonviolence is power.
Speaker B:No, retaliation isn't about passivity.
Speaker B:It's about breaking cycles of violence.
Speaker B:This connects to movements like Black Lives Matter, environmental justice and peace activism, where non violent resistance challenges systematic systemic oppression.
Speaker B:Blessing those who oppose us is a form of spiritual resistance.
Speaker B:The third area is about active peacemaking.
Speaker B:Run after peace for all your worth, the scripture says, suggests peace isn't passive but requires vigorous pursuit.
Speaker B:This challenges both personal and systematic violence, calling us to be active participants in conflict transformation and justice seeking, not just conflict avoidance.
Speaker B:Here's your action step.
Speaker B:Choose one conflict in your life or community where you've been tempted towards some act of retaliation or maybe just being sharp tongued and practice quote blessing instead, not by ignoring injustice, but by responding in ways that break cycles of harm.
Speaker B:This might mean having a difficult conversation, being an advocate for change, or finding some creative way to transform conflict into an opportunity for growth.
Speaker B:We'll have our closing prayer here in just a moment.
Speaker B:Just a moment to say that we have a great resource for you to help you with your at home Daily Bible Study.
Speaker B:It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:You can pick it up for free.
Speaker B:At our website voiceofgoddaily.com let's pray.
Speaker B:Oh God, you are the source of all peace and we live in a world that often mistakes kindness for weakness and revenge for strength.
Speaker B:Help us remember that true power lies in compassion, not control.
Speaker B:When we're tempted to respond with sarcasm or spite, guide us towards words and actions that heal rather than harm.
Speaker B:Give us courage to pursue peace even when it costs us something.
Speaker B:Remind us that in blessing others, even those we struggle to love, we participate in your work of transformation.
Speaker B:Grant us wisdom to know how to be both kind and just, gentle and strong.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
