Be kind.
We tell it to our kids, we tell it to ourselves. We have it on t-shirts, and we have it on signs on our walls.
Be kind.
However, beyond the worldly view of kindness, there is a deeper significance for us as believers to show kindness to others. Kindness = love… and it is through OUR loving kindness we can show the loving kindness of our Father and point others to Him.
As Christians, we are called to show kindness to those around us – from our friends and family, to our neighbors and coworkers, to strangers and yes, even to our enemies.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“Love is patient, love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 ESV
Friday, February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. What if we used this day to spread a little bit of kindness and share the love of Jesus to strangers and neighbors around us? Check out some suggestions below for things you can do tomorrow or in the days, weeks, or months to come:
- Compliment the first three people you talk to today.
- Send a positive text message to five different people.
- Tell someone they dropped a dollar (even though they didn’t). Then give them a dollar.
- Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats!
- Leave a note on someone’s car telling them how awesome they parked.
- Pay for someone’s coffee.
- Smile at five strangers.
- Send a gratitude email to a coworker who deserves more recognition.
- Know parents who could use a night out? Offer to babysit for free.
- Send an unexpected, nice and encouraging email to one of your kids’ teachers.
- Leave a kind server the biggest tip you can afford.
- Send a ‘Thank You’ card or note to the officers at your local police or fire station.
- Run an errand for a family member who is busy.
- Donate some groceries to your local food bank.
- Leave happy or encouraging notes around your house for family members to find.
- Offer to return a stranger’s grocery cart to the front of the store.
- Pay for the meal of the people at the next table.
- Hold the door open for every person you come across.
- Leave a nice note or treat in your mailbox for the mail carrier.
- Call your parents and let them know you appreciate them.
We hope these suggested acts of kindness provide opportunities for you to love those around you and glorify God. As our hearts are turned outward in kindness, may He continue to inwardly draw us closer to Him.