I Dare You to be Kind
Spread kindness in your everyday interactions.
Romans 12:18 says If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Because “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” we should try to live at peace with everyone!
In our effort to live peaceably with all, kindness is one of our greatest tools. Kindness defuses, disarms, and disrupts the efforts of the enemy to cause division within us and with others. When we not only respond with kindness but lead with kindness, we foster peace in ourselves and with one another. It is in God’s kindness to us that He sent His son. It is His kindness that leads us to turn from our sin to follow His ways. It is God’s kindness and love that allows us to be at peace with Him.
Just as God’s kindness extends to all, our kindness should be without exception. Jesus frequently sought out and showed kindness to outcasts, the marginalized, the poor, and the sick. His kindness knew no conditions or exceptions. As we follow Jesus, our kindness should begin to look more like His.
Here are some ways that you can show kindness this week:
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Send an encouraging text or write an encouraging letter to someone.
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Offer to watch a frazzled friend’s kids for a few hours.
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Leave an encouraging note on a random car windshield in a parking lot.
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Donate gently worn clothes to a thrift store.
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Pay for the next person in line at the drive-thru.
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Buy a few Bibles at a bookstore or thrift store and deliver to families that need one.
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At the grocery store checkout, let the person behind you go first.
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Offer to put someone’s shopping cart away for them at the store. Bonus points if it’s raining!
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Talk to the quiet person who seems lonely or out-of-place at a party or church service.
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Tape coins to a vending machine to treat the next thirsty or hungry person.
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Run an errand for someone who has difficulty getting out and about.
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Invite someone over for dinner – even better if it’s someone you've never invited over before!
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Leave an outrageously generous tip for your server at a restaurant.
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Straighten up shelves when you’re walking through the grocery aisle or the toy department.
Check out this YouVersion Study on intentional kindness