Erhalten Sie Zugang zu diesem und mehr als 300000 Büchern ab EUR 5,99 monatlich.
- Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021
You can walk in kindness every day when you rely on God to be your source. Be inspired to spread compassion, generosity, and hope as you read these daily devotions and Scriptures. Intentionally engage in the random acts of kindness suggested for each day. Spending time with God allows you to give generously to others out of the overflow of his heart for you. When you reflect God's character to a world that often seems harsh, you bring encouragement to people who may otherwise feel forgotten or hopeless. Acts of kindness spark feelings of gratitude. And gratitude goes a long way in improving our quality of life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Share a little kindness today and watch everything around you brighten with joy! Features: • High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. • Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. • Matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. • This high-quality sturdy Smythe-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. • This matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. • A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.
Sie lesen das E-Book in den Legimi-Apps auf:
Seitenzahl: 318
Das E-Book (TTS) können Sie hören im Abo „Legimi Premium” in Legimi-Apps auf:
Ähnliche
BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.
Savage, Minnesota, USA
Broadstreetpublishing.com
365 Days of Kindness
© 2021 by BroadStreet Publishing®
978-1-4245-6226-8
978-1-4245-6227-5 (eBook)
Devotional entries composed by Janelle Anthony Breckell.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved.
Typesetting by Kjell Garborg. Design by Chris Garborg | garborgdesign.com
Editorial services by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com
Printed in China.
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do.
1 CORINTHIANS 16:14 TPT
Contents
Introduction
January
January 1: Love Extension
January 2: The Right Filter
January 3: Bird Traps
January 4: Wailing Wisdom
January 5: You and the Camels
January 6: A Kind Risk
January 7: Loyalty
January 8: Stand By
January 9: Pay It Forward
January 10: Remember Kindness
January 11: Kind of Hard
January 12: Loud and Proud
January 13: The Mission
January 14: Growing Pains
January 15: Comforters
January 16: Don’t Withhold
January 17: Holy Goodness
January 18: Not of Yourself
January 19: Dressed in Compassion
January 20: Paths of Peace
January 21: 490 Times
January 22: Into the Light
January 23: When No One Helps
January 24: Secret Sins
January 25: Listen and Act
January 26: Small Requests
January 27: Compassion
January 28: Honeycomb
January 29: Enlightened
January 30: Simple Sharing
January 31: It’s All Good
February
February 1: Suffering but Saved
February 2: Prisoners of Hope
February 3: Aiming High
February 4: Courage
February 5: Shared Purpose
February 6: God’s Purpose
February 7: Interesting
February 8: Give It Back
February 9: Real Tears
February 10: Don’t Give Up
February 11: Restoration
February 12: Built Together
February 13: Love Beyond Measure
February 14: Love Love Love
February 15: Neighborly
February 16: For the Occasion
February 17: Copycat
February 18: Parents
February 19: Sharpen the Edges
February 20: Great Oaks
February 21: Meeting Needs
February 22: Keeping Calm
February 23: Made for It
February 24: Wasted Breath
February 25: Curse Reverse
February 26: No Show
February 27: Open Treasures
February 28: Quieted
March
March 1: Remember the Command
March 2: Small Sparks
March 3: Prayer Chains
March 4: Good Reference
March 5: Little Ones
March 6: Listen Carefully
March 7: Signs of Restoration
March 8: Those Who Serve
March 9: Looking Good
March 10: I Enjoyed That
March 11: Be Polite
March 12: Family Values
March 13: Smile
March 14: Teachers and Preachers
March 15: Delivery
March 16: Humbly Grateful
March 17: Healing Gestures
March 18: Hidden Treasures
March 19: Darkest Valleys
March 20: Remember
March 21: Harmonious
March 22: Put the Phone Down
March 23: Grieve for the Poor
March 24: The Best Medicine
March 25: A King’s Gratitude
March 26: Night and Day
March 27: Slow Speaking
March 28: Family Fun
March 29: Beware and Be Aware
March 30: Extravagant Generosity
March 31: Heavenly Inspiration
April
April 1: The Living Word
April 2: Sprouting
April 3: Share My Cross
April 4: Christ in Me
April 5: Small Delights
April 6: Simple Minded
April 7: The Greatest Gift
April 8: An Unexpected Request
April 9: Free Service
April 10: Who It Is For
April 11: I Just Called to Say
April 12: Mailing Joy
April 13: Who Is Wisdom
April 14: Ancient Yet Present
April 15: Still Care
April 16: Rescue and Protect
April 17: Basket Baby
April 18: Reaching Out
April 19: Expressed in Nature
April 20: Door to Your Heart
April 21: Just Ask
April 22: Earth Care
April 23: Give or Want
April 24: Brisk Walk Deep Talk
April 25: Eat and Drink
April 26: To Serve
April 27: Culture of Help
April 28: I’d Rather Not
April 29: Unmerited
April 30: Cheerful Face
May
May 1: Watch and Learn
May 2: Despair to Wear
May 3: Model Teacher
May 4: Friend Count
May 5: Seeing Clearly
May 6: Don’t Waste It
May 7: Given and Gifted
May 8: Grand Gestures
May 9: Self-seeking
May 10: Homes and Hearts
May 11: Entertaining Angels
May 12: Peace to this House
May 13: Generosity
May 14: Confessions
May 15: It Will Be Okay
May 16: Shiny New Things
May 17: Wounds
May 18: Sweet Tooth
May 19: Read and Learn
May 20: Faith and Works
May 21: Good Morning
May 22: Call Your Mother
May 23: Overlooked
May 24: Value of Two
May 25: Present Help
May 26: Control Yourself
May 27: Nagging
May 28: Lending to the Lord
May 29: Tip on Tips
May 30: Smokes and Mirrors
May 31: Battle
June
June 1: Abiding Love
June 2: There Your Heart Is
June 3: Moved by Compassion
June 4: Bowed Down
June 5: Added Learning
June 6: Sow Peace
June 7: God Created
June 8: All-sufficient Cross
June 9: Bearing It
June 10: Orderly
June 11: Transferred Skills
June 12: Discovery
June 13: Gray Ways
June 14: No Margins
June 15: In Every Way
June 16: Get Together
June 17: Toil
June 18: Bound Together
June 19: Three Things
June 20: Continual Feast
June 21: Inheriting the Wind
June 22: Improved with Age
June 23: In Balance
June 24: Skillful Workers
June 25: Stones and Embraces
June 26: Great and Small
June 27: Already Done
June 28: Come Eat
June 29: Surprise
June 30: Words that Build
July
July 1: Good News
July 2: Fill the Tank
July 3: Fishing Coins
July 4: Heroes
July 5: Working Hands
July 6: Love Perfected
July 7: All Circumstances
July 8: No Place
July 9: Have-nots
July 10: Called to Serve
July 11: Shining Deeds
July 12: Waste Not
July 13: Know God
July 14: Everlasting Life
July 15: Power of Love
July 16: Welcome Me
July 17: Presence
July 18: Have Courage
July 19: Trust Him to Help
July 20: Delight in Relationship
July 21: Wish List
July 22: Deliver Me
July 23: Real Time
July 24: Multiplied
July 25: Unconditional
July 26: Cling to Good
July 27: God’s Kids
July 28: Love Cover
July 29: Loyalty
July 30: Never Give Up
July 31: All You Do
August
August 1: Filled with Laughter
August 2: Help Please
August 3: Love Your Neighbor
August 4: Heartfelt Advice
August 5: Feed the Flock
August 6: No Condemnation
August 7: Wonderfully Made
August 8: Donkey Problems
August 9: Blessed to Give
August 10: In the Ordinary
August 11: Admirable
August 12: It’s Not Instant
August 13: Walk Surrendered
August 14: Grace Upon Grace
August 15: Among Us
August 16: Like Eagles
August 17: Humility
August 18: Count It Up
August 19: Belonging
August 20: Obligation Free
August 21: Right Expectations
August 22: Salvation to All
August 23: Be Courteous
August 24: Learn about Me
August 25: Love on Display
August 26: Ways to Unite
August 27: Fight Bravely
August 28: Daily Cross
August 29: Handiwork
August 30: Proactively Positive
August 31: Brought Low
September
September 1: Inner Strength
September 2: A Parent’s Sacrifice
September 3: Perfect Gifts
September 4: Thriving
September 5: Virtual Holes
September 6: Joyful Jobs
September 7: Riches of Wisdom
September 8: Persuading Leaders
September 9: For Your Own Good
September 10: Next Steps
September 11: Land of the Living
September 12: Good Stored Up
September 13: Company Kept
September 14: Stop and Ask
September 15: Divine Intercession
September 16: Heartfelt Contribution
September 17: Rejoice Again
September 18: Ask to Receive
September 19: Home in Christ
September 20: Renewed Cheer
September 21: Trusting Confessions
September 22: A Parent’s Example
September 23: Back to Health
September 24: Hope All Is Well
September 25: Childlike
September 26: Peace over Greed
September 27: Counted as Right
September 28: Salty
September 29: Love Your Enemy
September 30: No Offense
October
October 1: Found
October 2: Having too Much
October 3: Overtime
October 4: Deeply Moved
October 5: Like Jesus Does
October 6: Forever Love
October 7: What Joy
October 8: Change Your Mind
October 9: A Wise Fool
October 10: Not What You Eat
October 11: Nourishment
October 12: Bad Days
October 13: Living in Harmony
October 14: Constant and Change
October 15: Going Away
October 16: Decision Maker
October 17: Proud of You
October 18: Seeking Answers
October 19: Exercising Control
October 20: Restoration for the World
October 21: Love Instruction
October 22: Burned
October 23: Meaningful Affection
October 24: In the Light
October 25: My Portion Forever
October 26: No Words
October 27: Stuck in the Mud
October 28: Outward Looking
October 29: Supporting Leaders
October 30: Comfort in the Promise
October 31: Living the Future
November
November 1: Why Not
November 2: Perfect Weather
November 3: Led by Compassion
November 4: Skyscrapers
November 5: I’m Bored
November 6: Paper Planes
November 7: Thank You
November 8: Heart over Knowledge
November 9: Simple Strength
November 10: Fearless Confidence
November 11: Fighting for You
November 12: Turning Away
November 13: An Excellent Spirit
November 14: Restored and Revived
November 15: Automation
November 16: Eleventh Hour
November 17: Windy Words
November 18: Breath of God
November 19: Wisdom Personified
November 20: The Animal Kingdom
November 21: Marriage
November 22: Waiting without Worrying
November 23: Generosity from Afar
November 24: Slow Burn
November 25: Perfectly Imperfect
November 26: Faith Explanation
November 27: Ripple Effect
November 28: Warning Signs
November 29: In His Image
November 30: But I Say
December
December 1: A Big Task
December 2: Speak Well
December 3: Give It Up
December 4: Servant of All
December 5: Let Them Come
December 6: Bless the Poor
December 7: Overloaded
December 8: Look at Me
December 9: The Hand Dealt
December 10: Rainstorm
December 11: Two Are Better
December 12: Flowing from Goodness
December 13: As I Have Loved You
December 14: Overcome with Good
December 15: Work Rewards
December 16: Whatever You Do
December 17: God’s Love-gift
December 18: Small Seeds
December 19: Feast for the Poor
December 20: Helper
December 21: Careful Words
December 22: Wiser with Age
December 23: Angelic Faces
December 24: Extraordinary
December 25: Born to Us
December 26: Incredible Kindness
December 27: A Natural Flow
December 28: Gentle Kindness
December 29: Faithfully Famous
December 30: No Complaint
December 31: A Hopeful Future
Introduction
You can walk in kindness every day when you rely on God to be your source. Be inspired to spread compassion, generosity, and hope as you read these devotions and Scriptures. Intentionally engage in the acts of kindness suggested for each day.
Spending time with God allows you to give generously to others out of the overflow of his heart for you. When you reflect God’s character to a world that often seems harsh, you bring encouragement to people who may otherwise feel forgotten or hopeless. Acts of kindness spark feelings of gratitude. And gratitude goes a long way in improving our quality of life—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Share a little kindness today and watch everything around you brighten with joy!
ACT OF KINDNESS
The recommended Acts of Kindness
for each day can be carried out
on any day of the year.
Check them off as you
complete them and experience
a full year of spreading kindness!
January
“However you wish to be treated by others is how you should treat everyone else.”
LUKE 6:31 TPT
JANUARY 1
Love Extension
David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
2 SAMUEL 9:1 NIV
Love is a gift that keeps on giving. David’s love for his best friend, Jonathan, made him seek out how else he could share his love. You might be able to relate to this when you show care for a friend’s child or show compassion for someone you have heard about through close contacts. When you love people, you want to show love for the people in their lives as well.
Think of the person in your life that you love the most. Is there anyone they love that you are able to show kindness to for their sake? Extend the boundaries of your compassion by doing something for someone you don’t know that well today. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you if this feels a little outside of your comfort zone.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Encourage a child.
JANUARY 2
The Right Filter
Their purpose is to teach people
to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
PROVERBS 1:3 NLT
When we face moral dilemmas in our life and seemingly choose the right thing, it doesn’t always feel or look successful. These are the dilemmas that make us choose humility over pride, putting someone else first or simply standing back and not trying to defend ourselves. It takes a great amount of personal strength and discipline to do what is right, but does that always equate to things being just and fair?
Wisdom doesn’t mean you always have to come out looking like the loser! Sometimes being fair means that you have to call someone else out on their dishonesty or remove a negative person from a team for the sake of the greater good. The next time you run into a dilemma of this kind, run it through the wisdom filter of doing what is right, just, and fair. The best outcome is feeling successful because you were confident that what you decided was right.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Write an encouraging Scripture and leave it on someone’s desk.
JANUARY 3
Bird Traps
If a bird sees a trap being set,
it knows to stay away.
PROVERBS 1:17 NLT
Whether you are young or old, you have probably wandered into a few proverbial traps. You heard some fascinating gossip and moved in closer to the circle, and then added to the conversation. Or what about those times you indulged in overspending to make yourself feel better? A lot of these mistakes seem harmless, but if they are not healthy for you or others, they will ultimately take root as regret.
The warning in this proverb is simply about recognizing the triggers that set you in unhealthy patterns. It could be a person, a place, or a certain corner of your mind that leads you toward that trap you don’t want to get stuck in. Learn those triggers, and just like a bird that stays away from the known traps, figure out how to stay away from yours!
ACT OF KINDNESS
Choose to have a judgment-free day.
JANUARY 4
Wailing Wisdom
Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.
She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate.
PROVERBS 1:20-22 NLT
Do you think wisdom is hard to find? Do you wonder why more people are not wise? Wisdom is talked about as being a precious stone; it is likened to gold and silver. Wisdom is noted here as being like someone shouting in the streets. Shouting! It seems that wisdom might just be something you can walk by and clearly hear if you are willing to hear.
Perhaps wisdom doesn’t sound like a calm, soothing voice; it might even sound offensive. What is wisdom shouting to you today? Take some time to recognize what those words are and consider the reason why they might not be the words you want to hear. Wisdom doesn’t always have to sound good, but the application of its words will always bring beauty to your situation.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Call someone you love and tell them you love them.
JANUARY 5
You and the Camels
After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels.
GENESIS 24:19-20 NIV
When Rebekah journeyed to the well to draw water, she would have never known that day was about to change her life. Abraham’s servant was sent to find a wife for Isaac, and he prayed that he would be shown who was right for Isaac from a simple act of kindness.
Not only did Rebekah give the servant a drink, she also offered water for the camels. This kindness came from her heart not because she knew it would lead to anything greater. Let kindness be your first intention whether you reap an immediate reward or not.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Thank your garbage collector.
JANUARY 6
A Kind Risk
Please swear to me by the LORD that you will
show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will
spare the lives of my father and mother,
my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them— and that you will save us from death.
JOSHUA 2:12-13 NIV
It’s one of those moral dilemmas we don’t like to admit in the Bible. Rahab hides Joshua and his men, and then tricks the authorities and sends them away with false information. What a risky and bold move. It was something she could have lost her life for, and yet she knew she was a part of God’s plan by keeping Joshua and his men safe.
Sometimes acting in the interest of others feels like a risk. You might have to speak up about an unfair manager and put your own job on the line. You might have to confront a friend about their unsympathetic words and risk your friendship. You might have to admit a mistake to your spouse or friend and risk exposing them to hurt. Kindness takes on many forms but be brave and trust that God will protect you.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Tell someone’s manager how great they are.
JANUARY 7
Loyalty
“The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.”
RUTH 3:10 NIV
Ruth was entitled to choice in her life. She did not have to travel with Naomi back to her homeland; she could have chosen to stay in her own community. She didn’t have to marry Boaz, but she chose goodness and genuine care over selfish ambition. In the end, she was blessed because of her loyal choices marked with grace and dignity.
When you are faced with choices, it is only natural to think of yourself and what the different options will mean for you. In those times, remember to allow yourself to think about how your choices might affect those around you and whether you need to be more influenced by loyalty and graciousness toward others.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Say something kind to your boss.
JANUARY 8
Stand By
Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.
1 KINGS 2:7 NIV
Standing beside those who are fearful is an act of solidarity that goes well beyond words. There are many circumstances where people are afraid. It could be harmful work or home environments, a health scare, or losing a loved one. You may have gone through one or more of these and could think of people who stood by you.
Think about what mattered to you in those moments. It was the people who listened to you, encouraged you, prayed for you, and held you up when you felt like you had no strength. Ask the Lord to help you be that kind of person to someone else so they can trust you to stand by them no matter what may come.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Tell someone they matter to you.
JANUARY 9
Pay It Forward
May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.
2 SAMUEL 2:6 NIV
There is a movie about the concept of paying goodness forward. It’s a simple concept but would make a tremendous impact if we all could embrace it. Put simply, when someone shows you kindness, instead of repaying them the kindness, you pass on the good deed to someone else. When they thank you for the good deed, just tell them to “pay it forward.”
There are so many ways we can help others: simple acts like offering to take care of your friend’s kids for a couple for hours, bringing some treats to the new neighbors, or assisting your colleague with a work project. Ask the Lord to show you how to be a light to others by being like Christ in kindness and faithfulness.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Bring a meal to someone who needs it.
JANUARY 10
Remember Kindness
When our ancestors were in Egypt,
they gave no thought to your miracles;
they did not remember your many kindnesses,
and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.
PSALM 106:7 NIV
God worked some amazing miracles for the Israelites to show them his favor, mercy, and faithfulness. As humans, we can easily forget the good things God has given us when we are in the middle of turmoil or stress.
You might be facing some hardships right now. Perhaps you are struggling with a work colleague, or you are finding it hard to pay the bills that are mounting up. In the middle of these times, we can be tempted to feel like God has forgotten us. Perhaps we need to put the spotlight on ourselves and ask if we have forgotten how good he has always been to us. Remember the good things he has done for you in this moment to give you perspective in your troubles.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Send a gratitude email to a colleague.
JANUARY 11
Kind of Hard
If a good person punished me,
that would be kind.
If he corrected me,
that would be like perfumed oil on my head.
I shouldn’t refuse it.
But I pray against those who do evil.
PSALM 141:5 NCV
Love can be hard. Relationships between people aren’t always full of great emotions, laughs, and hugs. Sometimes we have to tell the people we love the truth, and sometimes that truth can be painful to receive. When you love and trust someone wholeheartedly, you can expect that they might point out some weaknesses or encourage you to act in a better way.
Good friends, spouses, and family members have a way of bringing out the goodness in your life. They will sharpen you and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. Instead of seeing their advice as criticism, try to see it as a kindness, or as this Psalm says, as perfume. Their correction is for your wellbeing, so don’t refuse it.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Write a thank-you note to someone who has given you good advice.
JANUARY 12
Loud and Proud
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
God shows us his goodness in so many ways. Sometimes his goodness is so evident, like when you are praying for provision and you are blessed directly with some extra money. You might have been praying for a job and your dream position was offered to you. But you can probably also recognize the goodness of God in smaller ways, and often these happen multiple times a day!
The wonderful thing about smaller realities of kindness is that God uses others to spread the love, demonstrating his love in a very real way. The next time you receive kindness directly from God or indirectly through others, make a point of praising him for his compassion. Speak it out loud, thank him, and proudly share his care for you.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Write a positive comment on social media.
JANUARY 13
The Mission
The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.
ACTS 27:3 NIV
In your day-to-day life, you might be unable to see the mission that God is enabling you to be a part of. As a believer of Jesus, you get to participate in his plan for redemption on earth. If you let that sink in, you might be able to see that the dishes you just washed, the phone call you made to your friend, or the work project you just finished is a part of God working his plan to bring Jesus into the lives of people around you.
In this Scripture, Julius, showing kindness to Paul, probably didn’t realize that he was helping one of the greatest known missionaries. He is an unsung hero, and so might you be. Be encouraged that every act of kindness is part of God’s mission through you.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Cook dinner for someone.
JANUARY 14
Growing Pains
He has been very kind and patient, waiting for you to change, but you think nothing of his kindness. Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so you will change your hearts and lives.
ROMANS 2:4 NCV
When children are asked to wear a coat outside or to wait for the crossing signals before they cross a road, they do not always understand the reasons why. This might lead to complaining and frustration on their part, but a guardian will maintain the rules because they know they are keeping their children from harm.
You may have been going through something confronting in your own life, either facing a habit you want to get rid of, fostering an unhealthy relationship, or simply dragging your feet at work. Instead of seeing your experience as unfair, see it as an opportunity to experience God’s favor. He might just be using this pain or boredom as an opportunity for you to grow and change. This is his kindness. Encourage someone else today by demonstrating that you can face your battles with a sense of purpose.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Compliment the first person you talk to.
JANUARY 15
Comforters
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 NKJV
On a cold winter morning, it feels good to be able to snuggle up under a warm, soft blanket or to put some soft slippers on your feet. We are comforted by the feeling of things that are soft and warm. In the same way, our words can give comfort to those who are hurting or feeling down. We can use warm and gentle words to soothe someone who is stressed or anxious, or perhaps someone who has just hurt themselves.
Our Father in heaven is a God of comfort, someone who will always be there to help us through our troubled times. Look to him for those warm and gentle words that you are seeking and be someone who can pass that assurance on to others who need it the most.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Donate new stuffed animals to a local hospital.
JANUARY 16
Don’t Withhold
We are not withholding our affection from you,
but you are withholding yours from us.
2 CORINTHIANS 6:12 NIV
It can be painful, as Paul found out with his Corinthian friends, to feel as though all of your generosity toward someone has gone unreturned. It is a vulnerable thing to open our hearts and hands to others, but we know this is what Christ demonstrated for us.
Jesus knew what it felt like to be betrayed when he extended nothing but love. If you are feeling used or unappreciated for the kindness you have shown someone, remember that Christ is your source of encouragement and he is so proud of you. Don’t withhold your affection even if you get nothing in return.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Buy something small for someone that shows you know what they love.
JANUARY 17
Holy Goodness
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
There is no law against these things!
GALATIANS 5:22-23 NLT
There is goodness in believers and unbelievers alike. People are able to love and care for others without even knowing Christ. However, as a believer, you have another source to sustain your love, joy, and peace. You have an everlasting well of strength for patience, kindness, and goodness. You have a living example of faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Rely on the Holy Spirit today and continue to produce the kind of fruit that only comes from Christ within.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Bring coffee to work for someone.
JANUARY 18
Not of Yourself
By grace you have been saved through faith,
and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.
EPHESIANS 2:8 NKJV
We tend to expect a lot of ourselves. There are so many things on our to do list. The house needs constant maintenance, meals need to be cooked, the finances need to be reorganized, not to mention our day jobs! We work to get results and this can become part of our worldview when it comes to our faith.
Take some time to read this verse over and over. It is not about anything that you do, or try to do, that earns you salvation. You are loved and you are forgiven simply because you believe. Allow yourself to experience freedom from that truth and share the same kind of graciousness toward others. Don’t expect things from people but freely give!
ACT OF KINDNESS
Help clean up someone’s room.
JANUARY 19
Dressed in Compassion
As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
COLOSSIANS 3:12 NIV
Getting dressed in the morning can take some effort. Sometimes we just don’t want to get out of our comfortable sleepwear, we can’t find the right thing to wear, or we just don’t like the way the clothes look on us.
It can be the same way with compassion and other loving qualities. It takes effort, consideration, and sometimes feeling uncomfortable to put on the kind of Christ-like love that the world desperately needs. A quick prayer or reading of Scripture just might be the encouragement you need to get yourself clothed with compassion for the day. Whether you feel it or not, it looks beautiful on you.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Text a friend three things you admire about them.
JANUARY 20
Paths of Peace
Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
PROVERBS 3:17 NIV
This world needs people of peace. It is a breath of fresh air when you are in a troublesome situation and someone makes an effort to calm the situation down with an even tone and measured words.
Jesus was a person of peace. In an effort to pass on the gift of peace to others, we might have to lay down some of our rights or entitlements in order to turn a sour situation into something sweet. The Holy Spirit is your helper in these moments, so rely on him to guide your words, thoughts, and actions toward a more pleasant outcome.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Tell someone they are beautiful.
JANUARY 21
490 Times
Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, when my fellow believer sins against me, how many times must I forgive him? Should I forgive him as many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, you must forgive him more than seven times. You must forgive him even if he wrongs you seventy times seven.”
MATTHEW 18:21-22 NCV
If you are someone who likes to calculate numbers and take things very literally, then you would have come up with an answer to Peter’s question as 490. This, however, was not what Jesus was answering in response to the question.
As humans, we feel we can be gracious but we don’t want to go so far with our grace that it gets abused. We think we need to put limits on our generosity toward others. Jesus’ response lets us know there are no limits on forgiveness, and it’s easy to see why. The grace that Jesus has for us, and others, is unlimited, and our grace should be the same. Get ready to forgive—over and over and over again!
ACT OF KINDNESS
Invite a friend over.
JANUARY 22
Into the Light
I will keep you safe from your own people and also from the others. I am sending you to them to open their eyes so that they may turn away from darkness to the light, away from the power of Satan and to God. Then their sins can be forgiven, and they can have a place with those people who have been made holy by believing in me.
ACTS 26:17-18 NCV
Our kindness for others can go beyond a simple act. Having a heart for people to come to Christ means that you have to be able to see through the outside of a person. People come in all shapes and sizes; some are easy to like and others are not so easy!
Ask God to give you his eyes for others so as you encounter them, they feel like they are accepted and loved. Spending time with people without a judgmental heart can be the very thing they need to draw them to the love of Christ. In this way, your kindness in accepting them for who they are will bring them out of the darkness and into the light.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Text someone a “thinking about you” message.
JANUARY 23
When No One Helps
The first time I defended myself, no one helped me;
everyone left me. May they be forgiven.
2 TIMOTHY 4:16 NCV
There are times when you can feel very alone in your troubles and battles. Perhaps this verse resonates with what you have felt recently. You might have been involved in a family dispute or faced a health scare alone. Maybe you just needed someone to give you a ride somewhere and no one offered!
There are times in everyone’s life where they have not felt supported. As this verse encourages, forgive those people in your life who didn’t show up or speak up for you when they needed to. And in turn, remember to be the person who actually does show up or speak up for others when they need it most. Show kindness by being there and not leaving.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Invite someone to lunch.
JANUARY 24
Secret Sins
People cannot see their own mistakes.
Forgive me for my secret sins.
PSALM 19:12 NCV
Have you ever been in an argument with someone who seems to have lasted for weeks, months or even years? This kind of tension can exist in relationships because we don’t always see things from other people’s perspectives. We might say we have tried, but have you tried to step into their shoes with a heart of compassion and mercy?
As this verse says, you might simply need to consider that, for a number of reasons, people just don’t see their own mistakes. And perhaps you are not seeing yours. Take responsibility for what you can control, which is to examine your heart for secret sins. When you start to look at yourself instead of casting the blame on others, you might just see how to resolve the issue.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Take a friend out for breakfast.
JANUARY 25
Listen and Act
“O LORD, hear! O LORD, forgive!
O LORD, listen and act!
Do not delay for Your own sake, my God,
for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”
DANIEL 9:19 NKJV
Have you ever shown up to a party or gathering before realizing that you got the wrong time or even the wrong day? Maybe you pulled dinner out of the oven only to find out that you hadn’t read the recipe right and missed out a crucial ingredient. There are times when we fail to notice the right instruction before we make assumptions or act without knowledge.
This plea for God to listen and act should be a plea that we remind ourselves of. The next time you feel like you should be saying or doing something for someone else, listen to what the Holy Spirit might be telling you and then act.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Fill the gas tank for someone in your house.
