Don't complain

Paul states clearly in Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing." While this command is easy to remember, it can be hard to obey. So, today, recognize that you do not have to; rather, you get to. Even the hardest chores are privileges - praise God that you are healthy enough to do them and that you have siblings who can make messes for you to clean up. Do all things to the glory of God!

Stories of Kindness: Katja

I’m a singer—by nature, by habit, and by choice. And I have a trick of singing random stuff whenever I am waiting for things to happen. Thus it came about that one December night, I stood on the front steps of our church and randomly sang. I can’t remember if it was solfeggio, or just a little cadence or something. It was nothing big—only a silly little tune. 

Our church steps give out directly onto a busy Montréal street, and as I was at the peak of my tune, I realized a woman was walking down the sidewalk in front of me. I stopped at once in embarrassment. The woman had headphones on, and I was singing loudly. 

Man, I probably just really disturbed her, I thought guilty. What will she think of me?

In the second that it took for me to think this, the lady raised her head and our eyes met. I was all ready to writhe internally, prepared for the stare or glare Montréal strangers usually hand out to each other. I never expected what came next.

She smiled.

And she called out, “You sing beautifully.” 

I blushed and muttered thanks as she walked on. The whole interaction took maybe 5 seconds, but I never forgot that sweet stranger. Her kind action was over in a flash and she may have completely forgotten about it ten minutes later, but it made a world of difference to a shy, self-conscious girl. Instead of it becoming one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, it is one of my best treasured memories that warms my heart and even moves me to tears when I recall it. There’s something in the bond created by kindness between strangers that is very precious.

Be a kind stranger today. 

Katja

Kindness is contagious!

Be appreciative

Today, focus on writing a thank-you list, remembering Paul's admonition in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Consider just how much God has blessed you and write down as many things you can think of for which you are, or should be, thankful. Praise God for these things and observe how adopting this attitude changes your whole perspective! 

Kindness is contagious!

Buy and give a gift

It does not have to be expensive - just meaningful. Put some thought into it.

Kindness is contagious!

Share your favorite Bible verse

Mine is Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" In the comments below or with someone you feel God has placed on your heart, share your own favorite verse! Encourage someone today.

Kindness is contagious!

Interact with a child

Whether it's taking them out for ice cream, or just reading a story either snuggled on the couch together or over Zoom, get as involved as you can. This small act of kindness can make a child's day, if not their whole week.

Kindness is contagious!

Stories of Kindness: Heaven F.

An Unexpected Blessing

It was sometime in December of 2022 when an act of kindness appeared right in front of a door. One Sunday, it was a little after 3 P.M. when I was walking home from work. My feet were hurting; I was sweaty and ready to collapse onto my bed with a book. When I walked into the apartment complex my family lives in, I had no idea there'd be something waiting for me on the other side of the door. As I entered the building, my eyes glanced down at the ground, and I saw a large peppermint-striped box in front of our door. Immediately I thought, "Ah, mom must've ordered something, and she didn't realize the delivery guy had come." However, as I inched closer and eventually made it to the door, I saw that the box had my name on it. Even though it was Christmastime, I wasn't expecting to receive any gifts, so seeing the package was a mighty surprise, and to this day, I'm still appreciative of it.

You may wonder why. Sure, it's normal to receive gifts during that time of the year. However, it was my friend's thoughtfulness. She went out of her way to get me things she knew I'd like and to include a handwritten note. The fact that I was even on her mind. You see, throughout 2022, I battled with loneliness and the idea that no one cared about me. I spiraled numerous times, but the Lord always somehow knew how to pick me up and show me that the people in my life were the ones who, indeed, wanted to stick around. And receiving this gift was another confirmation that she cared. It wasn't the gift that mattered, but her going out of her way to bless me and show love. That's what genuine kindness is.

-Heaven

Kindness is contagious!