10 Acts of Kindness to Brighten Someone’s Day

There are many things to love about kindness, especially random acts of kindness.

Like how kindness is contagious. Think about a time someone acted kind toward you.

Did you want to be kind to that person or pay it forward?

Also, contrary to what people may say or think, kindness never goes out of style.

Even when society’s pendulum swings toward a me-focused culture, kind acts will always make a difference.

And that’s why God’s people play an important role in dispensing kindness without discrimination or qualification.Our example in this is Jesus and His earthly ministry.

Because from a spiritual standpoint, kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. Kindness grows in us as we sow it and practice it.

So what is the current state of my fruit of kindness? Have I cultivated it in my daily life and in my family, community, and relationships?

Kindness From God

You see, one of the epic reasons kindness makes a difference is because we never earn it. Consider God’s loving kindness toward us.

It leads us to repentance. “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4 ESV.

His lovingkindness saves us. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5 ESV

We praise God for His kindness.

“I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.” Isaiah 63:7 NIV

Acts of Kindness Make a Difference

My list here is not exhaustive, but gives us some ideas of random acts of kindness that brighten someone’s day. And perhaps sparks your own ideas.

(1.)  Make extra dinner and drop it off to a neighbor.

(2.)  Pay for the order of the car behind you at a drive-through.

(3.)  Tell the person at a store register or your server at a restaurant they are doing a great job and are appreciated. Or, keep a small sticky notepad and pen in your bag or pocket and include an encouraging comment when paying for your order.

(4.)  Leave a special note on the windshield of your spouse or teenage driver’s car. “Hope you have a great day!” “I love you and praying for you today.”

(5.)  Discover the favorite coffee shop and drink of a co-worker or friend and deliver it to them.

Acts of Kindness: No Discrimination or Qualification

(6.)  Text or email someone a prayer that you just prayed over them—unsolicited prayer.

(7.)  Take your neighbor’s trash to the curb on pick up day. Even a difficult neighbor may be reached.

(8.)  Maybe you own a leaf blower and rake. In a few months, when the leaves are scattered across lawns and driveways, clean up your neighbors leaves too.

(9.)  Here’s an idea if you have a flower or food garden. Do you frequent the same gas station, grocery, pharmacy or other store? Take fresh cut flowers in a mason jar to a female clerk.

Or, take a small basket of fresh items from your food garden to someone at your church you don’t know well or a widow or widower.

(10.)  Send a small care bag to your child’s teacher at school. Use a small clear or colored bag and stuff with hand sanitizer, hand lotion, chap stick, peppermints, gum, and so on. Tie off with ribbon or a twist tie.

Kindness is Contagious

Remember, kindness is contagious, without discrimination or qualification, and never goes out of style. Kindness brightens our day. Isn’t this one of the great ways we show others the love and light of Jesus in us? 

Do you have a story to share about an act of kindness toward you?

Or, do you have other ideas to add to our list of kindness acts? Tell us in the comments.

Also see, “3 Ways We Love Like Jesus.”

Images courtesy of Canva.