Change the World Through Acts of Kindness

Seemingly small things have a way of turning into big things. Little acts of kindness have a way of making big things happen. “The little things really are big things”(Jaffe). As time zooms by, if we pay attention, the little things have a way of becoming big things in our lives. Add God and faith to the equation, and “little is much when God is in it.” That little act of kindness can be such an encouragement to a needy person. Some time ago I stopped in a grocery store to pick up a couple of steaks to grill (long before prices went through the roof!) As I approached the meat section, a dear white-haired woman in one of those electric carts checked the price and looked at the wad of small bills in her hand and said, “Lawdy! I sure’s can’t afford that!” Her outburst halted my walk away. I said to her, “Yes you can!” I handed her some cash and said, “Get what you need.” The smile on her face was priceless. Now please don’t think it only takes money to show kindness. People need the renewing strength of encouragement. Discouragement helps no one! We are called to be agents of hope and encouragement (Heb.10:24-25). One of the graces most needed now is kindness. Someone said, “Be kind, because everyone you’ll ever meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Before you head out the door, check your dress. We aren’t fully clothed until we “put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Col.3:12). What would happen if you asked God to bring into your life today someone for whom you can do a random act of kindness? Steve Marabo said, “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” I need to pay a little more attention to the little kindnesses and courtesies, how about you? A few more random acts of kindness and pleasantness would go a long way in brightening someone’s day. The good news is that no one need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.