As we gather on this Back to School Sunday, having blessed our students’ backpacks, we’re reminded of new beginnings, the excitement—and yes, sometimes fear—of stepping into the unknown. Today, we begin our journey in a new worship series – “Do Unto Others: A Campaign for Kindness.” We hope this is a timely series as we approach an election season that often amplifies divisions in our community and nation.

Just as our students prepare to enter new classrooms, make new friends, and face new challenges, we, too, are being called to step out of our comfort zones—both in our daily lives and as citizens in a democracy. The story of Abraham and Sarah, leaving everything familiar behind, may resonate deeply today. Whether we’re students, parents, educators, voters, or community members, we all face our “first day of school” moments and critical choices that impact others.

As we explore the power of the Golden Rule in the weeks ahead, consider: How can we pack kindness into our metaphorical backpacks—and ballot boxes—in the days ahead? In a world often divided by political differences, how might treating others as we wish to be treated revolutionize our relationships and heal our divided world? Remember, a vote for kindness is a step toward overcoming polarization through civility and respect. As we embark on this transformative journey, ask yourself: How do we want to be treated, and how can we extend that same treatment to others?

As we navigate the turbulence of an election year, with tensions rising and divisions deepening, this story challenges us to be instruments of God’s kindness. Like Abraham and Sarah, we’re called to venture into unfamiliar territory—to reach across divides, to listen to those we disagree with, and to sow seeds of compassion even in rocky soil.

I hope you’ll make plans to be here every week of this four-week series as we discover how the timeless wisdom of treating others as we wish to be treated can transform our families, workplaces, and communities.

We begin with the story of Abraham and Sarah from Genesis 12:1-9. This ancient tale of faith and obedience might seem far removed from our modern lives, but it holds a powerful lesson about kindness in chaos. Imagine being asked to leave everything familiar behind and step into the unknown. That’s exactly what God asked of Abraham and Sarah. Their response to this divine disruption teaches us how to embody kindness even when our world feels turned upside down.

Picture the world about 4,000 years ago, around 2000 BCE. The ancient Near East is a patchwork of city-states and empires, where people worship many gods, believing these deities control every aspect of life. In this world, the scripture for today unfolds. Everyday life revolves around agriculture and trade, with kings and priests holding power while most folks are just trying to survive. It’s in this setting that we meet Abram (later renamed Abraham), living in Ur of the Chaldeans – a bustling city in what’s now southern Iraq.

The scripture passage read a few moments ago is a turning point in the Bible. The first eleven chapters of Genesis deal with the whole world – creation, the fall, and the flood. But here, in chapter 12, God zooms in on one person and his family. It’s like the camera zooming in from a wide shot to a close-up. This passage marks the start of God’s redemption plan for humanity. It connects to what comes before by showing God’s response to the world’s problems, and it sets up what comes after – the whole story of Israel and, eventually, Jesus.

Genesis 12:1-9 is written as a narrative, but it’s more than just a story. It begins a covenant – an extraordinary promise between God and Abram. There is a sense of new beginnings and hope but also uncertainty and challenge. Throughout this passage, we see themes that will echo throughout the Bible: God’s call and human response, faith in the face of uncertainty, and blessing as both a gift and a responsibility.

This passage is like the first domino in a long line. It sets in motion God’s plan to bless the whole world through one family. And here’s what’s amazing– we’re part of that story, too. When we choose kindness, especially in chaotic times, we continue what started with Abram’s first step of faith. The story of Abram reminds us that answering God’s call often means stepping into the unknown. Still, it’s in these moments of uncertainty that we have an incredible opportunity to show kindness and make a difference in our world.

Have you ever felt like your life was turned upside down? Maybe your family moved to a new town, or you had to switch schools. You may be facing big decisions about college or a career. In these moments, Abram’s story speaks to us.

God called Abram to leave everything familiar behind. Talk about a significant life change! But here’s the thing: with that call came a promise of blessing. This wasn’t just for Abram’s benefit – God intended for him to bless others.

In our world today, we face our calls to enter the unknown. It might be standing up against bullying, reaching out to someone different from us, or choosing kindness when it’s easier to be cruel or keep silent. These moments are our “leaving Ur” experiences.

Like Abram, we might feel scared or unsure. But his story reminds us that answering these calls – choosing to be kind even in challenging situations – can have a ripple effect far beyond what we imagine. Think about it: Abram’s act of faith set in motion a chain of events that we’re still talking about thousands of years later. Your small act of kindness today could be the start of something huge.

This passage challenges us to see our lives as part of a bigger story. When we choose kindness in chaos, when we step out of our comfort zones to help others, we’re not just making one person’s day better. We’re participating in God’s plan to bless the whole world.

So next time you’re faced with a tough choice, remember Abram. Take that step of faith. Choose kindness. You never know how far that blessing might spread.

The good news is that God’s call to Abram isn’t just an ancient story – it’s an ongoing invitation to all of us. Just as Jesus embodied God’s blessing to the world, we’re called to be living examples of God’s kindness in our daily lives – to do unto others. This isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about small acts of faithfulness that ripple outward, transforming our community one interaction at a time.

In Jesus, we see God’s love made flesh – a love that crosses boundaries, heals divisions, and transforms lives. This is the heart of the Gospel: God’s love is for everyone, and we’re invited to share that love with the world.

When we choose kindness, especially in moments of chaos or uncertainty, we continue the legacy of faith that began with Abram. We’re participating in God’s ongoing work of blessing the entire world. Do unto others because every act of kindness, no matter how small, is a step in our faith journey.

Like Abram, we’re invited to step out in faith, to choose kindness even when it’s hard, and to trust that God is working through our actions. Later in our service, Pastor Jeanne will share more concrete next steps for putting this into practice in the coming weeks. We’ll be invited to engage in specific acts of kindness each week in our series.

So, I’d like to return to the backpacks that were blessed at the beginning of our worship service. They’re not just filled with books and supplies; they can be carriers of potential—potential for kindness, for reaching across divides, for sowing compassion in rocky soil. As our students head back to school this week and we approach the election season, consider how we can pack our metaphorical “civic backpacks” with the same kindness and consideration. The Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—is just as crucial in politics as at school.

When we engage with those who hold different views, when we step into the voting booth, when we discuss candidates and issues, we have the opportunity to choose kindness and respect. We can disagree without being disagreeable, debate without demeaning, and vote without vilifying those who make different choices.

I invite you to pack your days—and our democratic process—with intentional acts of kindness. A vote for kindness and a commitment to “do unto others” can be the most potent ballot we cast in healing our divided nation. Will you pray with me? 

Loving God, as we step into the days ahead, please fill our hearts with courage and our hands with kindness. Guide us to spread kindness in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~ Pastor Andrew