Tag: Acts of kindness

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Put on then

Evidently, yesterday was Random Acts of Kindness day, which I have had much to say in the past, so much so that I think I have written this sentence before:

And, as you know, I write about acts of kindness quite often.  –me in the post Look To Others

Well, sure I have because it’s an important part of our lives as followers of the Christ.

So, since yesterday was Random Acts of Kindness day, wouldn’t it be more random if you participated today instead?

Remember, however, I think this is more than just being nice to another person in a superficial way.  Our kindness should be motivated by a true realization that that every single person you are eyeball to eyeball with is make is the image of your creator!

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,13bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14 ESV

 

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Look to Others

Maybe you saw in the last few days there has been an online campaign called #20Acts of Random Kindness.  This is a way that some are honoring those killed in the incident in Newtown last week.  The idea is to practice an act of kindness to honor each victim.  When I first saw this I was sort of ho-hum about it.  This is a great idea, and I have seen lots of online feedback from people doing great things for others.  And, as you know, I write about acts of kindness quite often.  My reaction, however, was founded in the idea that this is how we should be treating each other all the time, not only in a period of strong reaction.  My prayer is that regular readers of this blog are already attempting to live a life where you are always on the look out to find ways where you can practice acts of kindness.  If not, this is a good time to jump on the bandwagon, just don’t stop, make this a habit.

4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:4 New International Version (NIV)

Look to others today.

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Little Things

Sometime ago I wrote about the impact of random acts of kindness and how that really impacts people. I come across this little thought last night and found it a good reminder. It is just small enough that you can stick it in your mind and let it rummage around there all day.

What would be different if we lived like we really believed that small actions can make a big difference?

Sort of reminds me of this:

Those who give one of these little ones a cup of cold water because they are my followers will truly get their reward.” (Matthew 10:42 NCV)

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A Good Measure

Last night the local Extreme Makeover aired as the season finale.  It was quite an inspiring show, and I guess even more so since we now can drive by this new house on the way home from soccer practice.  It’s always so good to see how people in the community will come together to help people in need.  So, here are two thoughts from the airing last night.

First, I have to wonder what the world would be like if we didn’t need a TV show or a disaster to help people in dramatic ways. Hmmm.

Second, I was reading this article today from the local television station.  It is absolutely fantastic to see that this family has been giving back in the community during the recent tornadoes in our area.  I think that is doubly inspiring, and something that can spurn us all on to action.  It’s always good to see people recognizing the blessings they have been given and using those to help others.  (It’s seem this chart in this old post describes the power of passing along acts of kindness quite well)

It all sounds sort of biblical, even though this teaching is a little bit opposite, its still a pretty good thought to consider as you go about your day.

38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38, New International Version)

Use whatever you have been given and give it to others today.

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Acts of Kindness

   I have a friend named Jon, who I follow on Twitter. Jon is always sharing links. He doesn’t always provide commentary on these links, so I am not sure of why he shares them sometimes, except that he find some interest in them.  Well, I try to find a time each week for follow these and he has directed me to some very interesting sites.  I am not sure how much work he gets done during the day, but it does help me in my own research!

Anyway, yesterday he posted something about a site call  Neat-O-Rama.  I only spent a few minutes checking it out, but I stumbled upon this arcticle:

Acts of kindness spread surprisingly easily: just a few people can make a difference

ScienceDaily (2010-03-10) — For all those dismayed by scenes of looting in disaster-struck zones, whether Haiti or Chile or elsewhere, take heart: good acts — acts of kindness, generosity and cooperation — spread just as easily as bad. And it takes only a handful of individuals to really make a difference. … > read full article

Very interesting.  This arcticle describes a study that shows how contagious acts of kindness can be.  Especially interesting to me is the chart they added.  In the study the following was noted:

When people benefit from kindness they “pay it forward” by helping others who were not originally involved, and this creates a cascade of cooperation that influences dozens more in a social network.

Hm, this sounds awfully familiar to me….

24Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24 (New International Version)

16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16 (New International Version)

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 (New International Version)

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 (New International Version)

Interesting.  So this Christ fellow, must have know the impacts this can have on people, and  today you now know that these verses have been proven by science to work.

So, let me start:

  • Ray – Happy Birthday Man!  I will buy you lunch when I get back in town.
  • Jon – thanks for sharing these great stories!

How about you? Get out today, show acts of kindness and watch it spread like wild fire.