Pray for Your Pastor

Pray for the pastor at your church, that he may minister in God’s grace and strength and that his messages will glorify our Savior.

Kindness is contagious!

 

Give Your Smile Away

Smile without reserve. It’s one gift that you can’t run out of, and it doesn’t cost anything, either. It’s one of the most valuable gifts you have!

Kindness is contagious!

Share the Gospel

Earlier this year, we challenged you to tell someone about Jesus; now, during this Christmas season,

we're challenging you to do it again. Evangelism is not a gift, but rather a command from Christ.

You should not go up to someone expecting to say and do everything perfectly, and that is all right.

In 1 Corinthians 2 verses 1-5, Paul writes, “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming

to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except

Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my

speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of

power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

Take on an attitude like Paul’s, share the Gospel to the best of your ability, and leave the results up to God (see also

Romans 9:16).

Kindness is contagious!

Dance

There’s nothing like cranking up the music and letting yourself go. Can’t dance? That’s okay; I can’t either. But it’s still a lot of fun. And it's even more fun if you can find someone to do it with you.

Kindness is contagious!

Put Your Phone Away

Turn your phone on silent and put it away–not in your pocket or next to you on the couch. Instead, put it where you can’t see or feel it, then go as long as you can without it. Enjoy this time away from the screen; bake something with your siblings, take a walk, read a book, or talk with your mom. You'll be glad you did . . . and might even want to do it again.

Kindness is contagious!

Go for a Run

Exercise can not only make you feel good, but it can clear your mind and improve your entire mood, too. Go for a run, or, if you’re like me and really don’t like running, find a good workout on YouTube.

Kindness is contagious!

Refill the Soap Bottles

Have you noticed the hand soap running low in the bathroom? Don’t wait for someone else to take care of it . . . refill (or replace) the bottle yourself. If there's no toilet paper, stock that, too.

Kindness is contagious!

Use Your Imagination

Find a child and, with them, make up a story; play cops & robbers; fly to the moon! The possibilities are endless, as will be the smiles.

Kindness is contagious!

Wash the Laundry

Even if it’s not your assigned chore, if you notice the basket is overflowing, take a moment to put in a load. Better still, if you have a sibling or another family member who’s been wanting their new clothes washed but haven't had a chance to remove the tags and do a separate load, offer to do it for them.

Kindness is contagious!

Play a Game

Take the time to play a game with someone you love.

Kindness is contagious!

Just Do It

Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Kindness is contagious!

Be a Sunflower

Sunflowers are just what they sound like: they turn their faces to follow the sun throughout the day, and at night, they turn east again to greet the sun as it comes up.

Keep your face to the Son. Even when all seems dark, follow it. And encourage others to do the same.

Kindness is contagious!

Answer an Old Message

Is there an older email in your inbox or a letter on your desk that you haven’t answered? Even if it’s been days or weeks, consider responding to it now.

Kindness is contagious!

Say Something Sweet

 "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

Kindness is contagious!

Give Up your Chair

If you have two good legs to stand on, let someone who doesn’t have your seat.

Kindness is contagious!

Take Responsibility for your Actions

Don’t blame the first person who comes to mind for whatever choice you just made or whatever action you just did.

Kindness is contagious!

Be Jesus to Someone

Jesus sacrificed himself for others, always putting them ahead of himself. Always ministering. Always giving of Himself. Be like Jesus.

Kindness is contagious!

Accept Correction

We’re not perfect. We don’t have all the answers. Yet when others point out our flaws (even if we asked for it), we get jumpy and defensive. This week, let’s focus on staying humble and accepting correction in all areas of our life so that our character in Christ may grow and flourish.

Kindness is contagious!

Listen

You don't always need to speak.

Kindness is contagious!

Let Them Go First

If you have an opportunity to let someone go ahead of you, take it.

Kindness is contagious!

Be All There

“Wherever you are, be all there!” -Jim Elliott

Watch. Listen. Pray. Someone needs you. When you find them, just…be there for them. Remove distractions; be all there.

Kindness is contagious!

Examine Your Heart Motives

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." Philippians 2:3

Even doing all the “right” things can be wrong if your heart isn’t in the right place.

Kindness is contagious!

Make a Lasagna

There’s just something about food that gives comfort. Lasagna is a comfort food for a lot of people. Or maybe meatloaf. Or, like for me, pot pie. Make one of your favorite comfort foods and share it with someone.

Kindness is contagious!

Be Respectful

Be respectful—of others’ time, space, feelings, and preferences.

Kindness is contagious!

Spend Extra Quiet Time with Jesus

Before I go jogging in the morning or attack my to-do list, I need a hearty breakfast . . . and alone time with Jesus. Today, let’s challenge ourselves to spend extra quiet time with Him, simply pouring our hearts out in prayer and soaking up His word, truth, and presence. Already spending 10 minutes reading the Bible every morning? Today, add an extra 10 and see what God does! You can’t skip feasting on Scripture anymore than you can skip a meal (like breakfast) and still feel nourished and prepared for the day.

Kindness is contagious!

Apologize First

Even if you weren’t the one to start the fight, you can be the first one to end it.

Kindness is contagious!

Personalize a Card

Pick up a card from the dollar store and write a little note in it—bonus points if it makes them laugh! It makes them feel special if you remember their name. And it’s even better if you remember their nickname.

Kindness is contagious!

Go Beyond What's Expected of You

Don’t settle for “less than” or just "good enough" when you know God made you for so much more.

Kindness is contagious!

Work Hard

 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of your inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

Resist the urge to slack off. Push yourself. You’re doing it for Jesus.

Kindness is contagious!

Be Gentle

 “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:5

A kind word. A gentle touch. A whisper of encouragement. A smile. It all goes a long way.

Kindness is contagious!

Take Time to Reflect

 Take time to reflect on how God has provided in the past, both in your life and to His people in the Bible.

Share that with someone to bring them encouragement and hope, and trust Him to provide in the future. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)

Kindness is contagious!

Give up Your Free Time

Nothing says “I care” like giving up your sacred spare time to do something with or for someone else. It doesn’t have to be much, and it doesn’t have to be long. But make it count.

Kindness is contagious!

Clean Out the Light Fixtures

You know, those little things that no one notices until suddenly you look up and they’re full of bugs. Don’t wait for someone else to do it; find a ladder and grab a rag.

Kindness is contagious!

Consider

How can you make a difference (even a small one) in someone’s life this week?

Kindness is contagious!

De-Clutter

Having a cluttered space can keep you distracted and disoriented. Clean up your clutter. Get rid of some things. Having a tidy space not only will make you feel better, but it will clear your mind and put your focus back where it belongs.

Kindness is contagious!

Be Different

Rise above the cultural standards, remembering that you’re unknown to the world, but well known to God (2 Corinthians 6:9).

Kindness is contagious!

Use Your Gift

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10

Look for an opportunity to use your God-given gift(s) to bless someone this week

Choose Patience

 It’s easy to lose patience when someone doesn’t even seem to care about how you feel. Take the high road; choose patience.

Kindness is contagious!

Get the Ketchup

When you’re sitting at the table, don’t ask someone else to get the ketchup; get up and get it yourself. Or, vice versa, if they ask you to get the ketchup...do it. With a smile. That's the best way to cultivate a servant's heart.

Kindness is contagious!

Guard Your Heart and Mind

Think only of what is “noble,” “right,” “pure,” “admirable,” “excellent,” or “praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8) Your thoughts make your attitude and shape your choices. Don't be pure just in dress, but in mind, too.

Kindness is contagious!

Dust the Ceiling Fans

Don’t wait for someone to put it on your to-do list. Whip out a dust rag and get it done, even if no one notices. And while you're at it, maybe do the baseboards too.

Kindness is contagious!

Take Someone's Hand

Come alongside and support/help them, literally or figuratively.

Kindness is contagious!

Publicly Thank Someone

 Don’t just tell them in private how much you appreciate them or what they did; say it in front of others.

Kindness is contagious!

Dry some Herbs

One of my (many) hobbies is growing herbs. I absolutely LOVE cooking with them (and smelling them!). Do you have an herb garden? Dry some and give them to your neighbor to enjoy. 

Don’t have herbs? What’s one of your hobbies? You can always use your hobbies and talents to bless others.

Kindness is contagious!

Memorize a Bible Verse

Is there a verse God has been pressing on your heart recently? Commit it to memory and meditate on it.

Kindness is contagious!

Ask for Forgiveness

 Our human nature is quick to say, “It wasn’t my fault!” None of us is without sin, however, and when we do wrong, we need to humble ourselves and apologize.

Kindness is contagious!

Sweep the Floor

 Don’t just avoid stepping on the dirty spots; if the floor needs to be swept, grab the broom and sweep it.

Kindness is contagious!

Offer

Don't wait to be asked. 

Tell Someone About Jesus

 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Kindness is contagious!

Read Aloud your Favorite Book

 Maybe you have a sibling that can’t read. Maybe you have a sibling that just doesn’t like to sit still. Find something to keep their hands busy, and read aloud to them. Show them why this book is your favorite! They'll never forget the time you took to spend with them.

Kindness is contagious!

Share the Quote that Encourages You the Most

 Mine is “Heart and flesh often fail. Let them fail! He faileth not.” (Hudson Taylor) What’s yours?

Don't Be Negative

Make a conscious, intentional effort to be encouraging. If something negative jumps to your mind, keep it to yourself. 

Kindness is contagious!

Be A Leader

 Be a leader. Not a follower.

Kindness is contagious!

Be Respectful of Others

"Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." 1 Peter 2:17

In thought, word, and deed, we’re to respect God and one another.

Kindness is contagious!

Share a Meme

 I love memes. They make me smile.

Send someone a meme and make them smile, too.

Kindness is contagious!

Tell Them What you Love About Them

Tell a sibling (or if you don’t have a sibling, a close friend) one thing that you love about them. Whether in person or by phone, text, or email, make their day!

Kindness is contagious!

Say a Specific Prayer

Ask the first person that pops into your head how you can pray for them specifically...and then pray specifically. Not just a five-second "Jesus, please help them," but an intentional prayer. Put thought into it.

Kindness is contagious!

Write a Long Email

Is there someone you haven’t talked to recently? Take the time to write a long email and catch up.

Kindness is contagious!

Try Something New

Whether it’s that recipe for cookies you haven’t yet worked up the nerve to try or that art project you’re unsure of taking on, this week make the decision to go for it. Get messy and make mistakes. Most importantly, have fun.

Kindness is contagious!

Share a Favorite Verse

 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" 

Psalm 46:10 is my favorite. What's yours? Share it with someone—whether posting it on social media or through a text to your favorite uncle. God's Word blesses.

Kindness is contagious!

Orally Encourage Someone by your Words

Sometimes it’s easier to encourage through writing than in person. This week, challenge yourself to orally encourage someone by your words.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21

Kindness is contagious!

Send Emojis

Just because. After all, who doesn’t get a kick out of sending/receiving these tiny yellow faces?

Kindness is contagious!

Breathe Deep

Live in the moment and just breathe. Open your eyes to the wonder of the world around you. Breathe in God’s breath, breathe out His praise. And smile, knowing that He's got this.

“Listen close,

Look long,

Breathe deep.”

-Guy Penrod, Breathe Deep

Share a Song

Is there a song that's been on your heart a lot lately? Pray and see if maybe there's someone that God would like you to send it to, in order to bless them and let them know that you're thinking of them.

Kindness is contagious!

Practice Self-Control

 In what you say, how you act, and what you read, eat, see, or hear. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Kindness is contagious!

Give a Handmade Gift

Nothing says ‘I care’ like putting time and effort into a handmade gift. 

Bake some brownies. Sew (or embroider) a tote bag. Draw a picture (even if you’re only good with crayons). String together a necklace. Use your imagination. Just don't forget the 'giving' part.

Kindness is contagious!

Pray

 For someone or something. It can be a long or short prayer--whatever you feel God has placed upon you.

Examine the Time you Spend on Social Media

Is it productive? In what ways can (and should) you change your social media habits to allow for more time in your personal relationships with God and other people?

Kindness is contagious!

Wash Someone's Feet

Do the hard thing. Maybe not necessarily wash someone's feet (though it would be an excellent way of following Jesus' example), but search for an opportunity to serve someone in a way that puts you in discomfort. Stepping out of your comfort zone is an incredible way to let God work through you! The more you do it, the easier it becomes, and the more it will mean to someone.

Kindness is contagious!

Take a Walk

If circumstances and the weather permit, ask someone (perhaps a friend, sibling, or parent) to walk with you. Enjoy God’s creation together and allow the fresh air to revive your souls!

Kindness is contagious!

Keep your Mouth Shut

I can't be the only one that seems to stick my foot in my mouth on a regular basis! Oftentimes, it's just necessary to keep your mouth shut. You don't need to give your opinion unless they ask for it.

Kindness is contagious!

Serve

"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

Walk your neighbor’s dog, help someone put groceries in their car, do volunteer work . . . the possibilities are endless!

Kindness is contagious!

Don't Complain

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing." Philippians 2:14

Remember: you don’t have to; you get to. Do all things to the glory of God! View the simple, day-to-day tasks as privileges, because that's what they really are. In this way we'll be "blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom [we] shine as lights in the world..." (Philippians 2:15)

Kindness is contagious!

Start a GIF War

Sometimes having a silly GIF war with someone can simply make you smile. Just make sure that they won't get annoyed instead!

Kindness is contagious!

Pick up Trash

Literally or figuratively; as stewards of the earth that God created, we are charged with taking care of it, in mind, body, and spirit.

Reach Out to a Parent or Mentor

 Let them know you appreciate them and all they’ve done for you.

Kindness is contagious!

Buy a Gift

Put some thought into it. It doesn’t have to be expensive—just meaningful. Something that reminds you of an inside joke, or a memory you share; use your imagination.

Kindness is contagious!

Randomly Share a Funny Childhood Memory

 Here’s mine: my mom, sisters, and I were going boot-shopping at Target, and I slipped on a boot that didn’t fit well. Intending to put it back on the shelf, I grabbed the boot and yanked. Nothing happened. I pulled at the zipper, wriggled my foot some more, and still . . . nothing. That boot was stuck fast! Heat climbed up my neck as first my sisters and then my mom attempted to get the boot off my foot, but to no avail. Initially, it had seemed so ridiculous that even Mom was laughing, but now that it appeared there was no way to get the boot off, our laughter died. Everyone was wondering what to do. Then, lo and behold, I turned my foot over, and there was another zipper! Turns out the zipper we’d all been fooling with was fake; the second one, however, was real, and unzipped with no difficulty.

(And yes, this is a memory we have no problem laughing about today.)

Do Something Hard

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Whether it’s applying your mind to studying for a difficult exam in school, speaking up for what you know is right, or anything else you may consider hard, try to do it in Christ’s strength.

Kindness is contagious!

Donate

It doesn't have to be money—donate time, love, talents...use your imagination. Put in effort; give until it hurts.

Kindness is contagious!

Brew the Coffee

If he always brews your coffee, brew his. If she always runs your errands, run hers. Be creative and return the favor. Go the extra mile and wash the mug when they're done; put the groceries away yourself; fill the dishwasher and run it so the dishes will be clean in the morning for their breakfast.

Kindness is contagious!

Don't Let your Left Hand Know

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:3-4

Do a good act in secret without expecting praise or thanks from man.

Kindness is contagious!

Pick Some Flowers

I love flowers! Even if it's just a weed, if you find beauty in it, pick some for yourself, and some to share with others.

Kindness is contagious!

Give a Compliment

Don’t make it about their cute shirt; make it personal. Say "I like this about you because..." Giving your reason behind it will make it all the more genuine. You may shock them, but it'll be worth it. Even if you get a weird look. The more you do it, the easier it'll be.

Kindness is contagious!

Shoot a Message

Got your phone (or computer) handy? Just a quick ‘hello’ to reach out and let them know that someone’s thinking of them. Text, email, direct message...there’s a lot of resources at your disposal. It’ll take twenty seconds. Just do it.

And then go one step further: ask how they're doing, and really mean it. Let them know that you'll pray for them. And follow up with them next week. You never know when a person needs someone to check in on them.

Kindness is contagious!

Submit

"...submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21

In today's world, we're encouraged to tolerate and accept people and things even if we don't necessarily agree with them. However, we are not called to submit to this world, but to other believers “out of reverence for Christ," according to God's will for our lives. This week, ask God to equip you with a heart of humility so that you can submit yourself first to Him, then to your brothers and sisters in the church.

Express Empathy

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

Jesus prayed for, cried with, and rejoiced alongside His disciples, and we're called to follow His example with the people He's placed in our lives. This week, be emphatic; put yourself in someone else's shoes and show them that you care about where they are and what they're going through.

Kindness is contagious!

Send a Letter

If you’re like me, you don’t always have time to write out a long letter. And that’s okay! There’s just something special about getting a note in the mail that you can physically hold in your hands. Whether it’s long or short, on stationary or a Post-It note. Say ‘hello’, say ‘thank you’, say ‘I love you;’ just say something. Let them know you’re thinking about them.

Kindness is contagious!

Interact with a Child

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

Children are such a treasure! They have such a unique, vibrant take on life. Whether you live with a child or you pass one in the street, take time to invest in them. Smile; offer encouragement; take them out for ice cream; read a book aloud to them. Trust me, you will be just as blessed as that child afterward.

Kindness is contagious! 

Walk Worthy

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3

We are so unworthy of grace, but God welcomes us in anyway. Out of our love for Him and through the Holy Spirit who lives inside us, let’s strive to have “all humility and gentleness, with patience” toward others as we walk with Him this week (and every week).

Kindness is contagious!

Walk, Don't Run

Don’t rush through this moment to get to the next. Don't miss the joy that comes from living in this moment that God has given you to the fullest. Chances are, you'll inspire others to do the same.

Kindness is contagious!

Forgive

 Make the choice.

Reach further

Reach further than the standard, simple “How are you?” Show someone you care by asking them how they really are--spiritually, mentally, physically. Don’t give up until you get a true answer, and then offer them encouragement right where they're at.

Kindness is contagious!

Make your Appreciation Known

Last week, you said ‘thank you’ to God. Today, go out of your way to say it to someone (or several someones) else. It only takes us a few minutes, but letting someone know that they are appreciated can brighten their entire day—believe me, I know from experience!

Kindness is contagious!

Sing to God

"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being." Psalm 104:33

So often, we shrink back from lifting our voices in praise to God, afraid of what other people might say or think of us. However, what we forget is that we have an audience of One, who is fully deserving of our praise. Sing to Him today!

Write a Thank-you List

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Just how much has God blessed you? Make a list of the things you’re thankful for—and don't just put down a few general things, write down specific things. Add to it every time you think of anything else, then thank Him for them. Seeing how much you’ve been blessed changes your whole perspective.

Kindness is contagious!

Make Someone Laugh

 

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Tell a clean joke or a funny story, anything that'll brighten someone's day and make them laugh.

Kindness is contagious!

Smell the Roses

 

You don’t have to look far to find the ‘thorns’ in life. Today, take the time to find the roses among the thorns: the little, sweet moments in an otherwise dreadful day that keep you going. Point them out to others. Be someone's rose.

Kindness is contagious!

Set Your Focus

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

In order to be able to show kindness to others, it's important to make sure that your own focus is fixed on what's important. Today, be kind to yourself. Spend a few extra minutes of quiet time; meditate on that passage of scripture just a little bit more; say an extra prayer; take time to breathe deeply. Let God really refuel you. Because the more He does, the more extra you have to pour out to others.

Kindness is contagious!

Do More Than You're Asked

Did your mom ask you to put away groceries? If you notice that the pantry needs to be cleaned, do that, too.

Kindness is contagious!

Seek Peace and Pursue It

"Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." Psalm 34:14

Sometimes (actually, quite often), being a troublemaker seems so much easier than being a peacemaker. However, God hasn’t commanded us to do what’s easy, but rather what honors Him. This week, take that extra step, not only just to seek peace but to pursue it, even if it means dying to yourself.

Kindness is contagious!

Give Someone a Hug

Hugs are a simple way to show your love or affection for someone, yet we usually don’t do it enough. This week, give someone, that you wouldn’t normally, a hug. Even if you’re uncomfortable with physical affection, try it anyway. The simple fact that you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone might say more about how you feel than the hug! (Plus, it’s good to push yourself once in a while, right?)

On the other side of the spectrum, if you can’t be with them, send them a virtual hug: a photo of something that made you think of them, an encouraging quote...just the knowledge that someone is thinking of them is its own kind of hug.

Kindness is contagious!