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- Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
- Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021
It's not always easy to be nice to people especially when they are unkind to you, but God tells us to love everyone—even our enemies! You can be kind every day if you ask God to help you. When you spend time with him, you start to understand how much he loves you and that helps you love others better. The devotions and Bible verses in this book will show you how important kindness is and give you some great ideas for spreading love, happiness, and hope. When you are kind, it shows others God's love for them, and there are a lot of people who really need to feel that right now. Share a little kindness today and watch everything around you brighten with joy! Special Features: - Devotions written especially for kids aged 6-10 - Acts of Kindness ideas for every day - Durable faux leather cover with special treatments - Beautifully-designed full-color interior - Ribbon marker
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365 DAYS OF KINDNESS FOR KIDS
© 2021 by BroadStreet Publishing®
978-1-4245-6384-5
978-1-4245-6385-2 (eBook)
Devotional entries composed by Noemi Hedrick.
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 (NIrV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIrV” and “New International Reader’s 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 (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 (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved.
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Editorial services by Michelle Winger | literallyprecise.com
Printed in China.
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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: Pray for the Poor
March 24: 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: 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: Quick 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
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: Not Helpless
June 5: Added Learning
June 6: Sow Peace
June 7: God Created
June 8: All-powerful Cross
June 9: Bearing It
June 10: Orderly
June 11: Shared Skills
June 12: Discovery
June 13: Gray Ways
June 14: Too Much
June 15: In Every Way
June 16: Get Together
June 17: Toil
June 18: Bound Together
June 19: Three Things
June 20: Never-ending 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
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: 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 Help
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: All Is Well
September 25: Childlike
September 26: Peace over Greed
September 27: Counted as Right
September 28: Salty
September 29: Be Different
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: 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
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: Last Minute
November 17: Windy Words
November 18: Breath of God
November 19: Wisdom as a Person
November 20: The Animal Kingdom
November 21: Marriage
November 22: 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 Love
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
It’s not always easy to be nice to people especially when they are unkind to you, but God tells us to love everyone—even our enemies! You can be kind every day if you ask God to help you. When you spend time with him, you start to understand how much he loves you and that helps you love others better.
The devotions and Bible verses in this book will show you how important kindness is and give you some great ideas for spreading love, happiness, and hope. When you are kind, it shows others God’s love for them, and there are a lot of people who really need to feel that right now.
Share a little kindness today and watch everything around you brighten with joy!
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 and Jonathan were best friends. They were always looking for ways to show that friendship. Showing kindness is one way we can tell people we love them. We will be there for them when they need us most. It builds trust. 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? What about a friend of your friend? You can show kindness by doing something for someone you don’t know that well today. It may feel uncomfortable to try something new, but God can help you. A little kindness goes a long way.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Make a new friend.
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
Have you ever needed to make a decision between something right and something wrong? At first you didn’t know what to do, but you chose what looked like the right thing. What happened? Did someone notice? It doesn’t always get noticed and it may not feel great at first. It takes a great amount of strength to do what is right, but that doesn’t always mean things will be fair.
Wisdom doesn’t mean you always come out looking like the loser! Sometimes being fair means that you have to call someone else out on their lie and there may be consequences for telling the truth. The next time you run into a problem of this kind, ask God what is right, just, and fair. The best outcome is feeling good because you were confident that what you decided was right.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Stick up for a friend who is being picked on.
JANUARY 3
Bird Traps
If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away.
PROVERBS 1:17 NLT
It does not matter if you are young or old, you have probably found yourself in tempting situations. You heard someone talking about someone else and moved in closer to the circle, and then added to the conversation. Or what about those times you turned to watching media to make yourself feel better? A lot of these mistakes seem harmless, but if they are not healthy for you or others, they could turn into a bad habit and you may regret them later.
Read the proverb above one more time. It is a warning. This proverb is simply about seeing the trap and avoiding it. 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 traps and be like the bird that stays away!
ACT OF KINDNESS
Look for a trap in your day and make a good decision.
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 know someone who is wise? Ever wonder how they got to be so wise? Wisdom is talked about as being a precious stone; it is compared to gold and silver. Wisdom in this proverb is 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 listen.
Maybe wisdom doesn’t sound like a calm, soothing voice; it might even sound harsh. 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 listening to its words will bring goodness 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 walked to the well to get water, she did not know that day would 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, but she also offered water for the camels. This kindness came from her heart not because she knew it would be rewarded later. Let kindness be your first intention whether you get an immediate reward or not.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Pour a drink for someone in your family today.
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
This is one of the tricky situations in the Bible that may surprise you. Rahab hides Joshua and his men, and then tricks the authorities and sends them away by lying. How scary! It’s almost like something out of a spy novel. She could have lost her life for doing it, but she knew she was a part of God’s plan to keep Joshua and his men safe. She risked everything for them.
Sometimes acting in the interest of others feels like a risk. You might have to speak up for a friend and risk other kids getting mad at you. You might have to admit a mistake to a parent or friend and risk consequences. Kindness takes on many forms. Be brave and trust that God will protect you.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Tell a teacher or parent 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 able to make choices about her life. She did not have to travel with Naomi back to her homeland; she could have chosen to stay at home in her own community. She didn’t have to marry Boaz, but she chose goodness and helped Naomi over her own needs. In the end, she was blessed. Her loyal choices made her a woman of 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 think about how your choices might affect those around you. You can influence for good and for bad. It is your choice. Choose wisely.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Say something kind to someone in your family.
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 someone who is afraid is an act of bravery that means a lot. There are many times when people are afraid. It could be they are dealing with a hard situation at home, sickness, or losing someone they love. 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, helped you, prayed for you, and held you 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 happens.
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 paying goodness forward. It’s a simple idea but would make a big difference if we all did it. 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 younger siblings, bringing some treats to the new neighbors, or helping your friend with homework. Ask the Lord to show you how to be a light to others by being like Christ in kindness and faithfulness.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Help make a meal.
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 love, mercy, and faithfulness. As humans, we can easily forget the good things God has given us when we are in the middle of hard times.
You might be having a bad day right now. Maybe you are struggling with a sibling, or you are finding it hard to play with neighbors. When you have days like that, it is tempting to feel like God has forgotten you. Maybe you need to put the spotlight on yourself and ask if you have forgotten how good God has always been. Remember the good things he has done for you in this moment to help you through your troubles.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Tell a friend or family member what you like about them.
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 good emotions, laughs, and hugs. Sometimes we need to have hard conversations, and the truth we learn in those talks can be painful. When you love and trust someone with your whole heart, you can expect that they might point out some weaknesses or encourage you to act in a better way.
Good friends, teachers, 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 you. Instead of seeing their advice as bringing you down, try to see it as a kindness, or as this psalm says, 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 obvious, like when you are praying for God to answer a prayer of healing for a sick loved one and then they get better. You might have been praying for a job for a parent and they got their dream job. But you can probably also see the goodness of God in smaller ways, and often these happen multiple times a day!
The wonderful thing about smaller kindnesses is that God uses people to be his hands and feet to spread love in a very real way. The next time you receive kindness directly from God or indirectly through others, stop and thank him. Speak it out loud, thank him for his goodness, and proudly share his care for you.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Write a kind word on sticky note and put it somewhere in the house.
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 not be able to see the big picture, but God is working in you and inviting you to be part of his perfect plan. As a believer of Jesus, you get to be part of his story. 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 kind sticky note 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
Bring a snack to 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 you were little, you may have been asked to wear a coat outside or to wait before crossing the road, and you didn’t understand why. You may have complained and got frustrated, but a guardian held the rules because they know they were keeping you safe from harm.
You may have been going through something hard in your own life, either trying to break a bad habit, avoiding arguing with a friend, or simply dragging your feet at home. Instead of seeing your experience as unfair, see it as an opportunity to experience God’s favor. He might be using this pain or boredom as an opportunity for you to grow and change. This is his kindness. Encourage someone else today by showing that you can rise to the challenge and face your battles with a sense of purpose.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Compliment the first person you talk to today.
JANUARY 15
Comforters
Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who gives tender love. All comfort comes from him. He comforts us in all our troubles. Now we can comfort others when they are in trouble. We ourselves receive comfort from God.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 NIRV
On a cold winter morning, it feels good to be able to snuggle up under a warm, cozy blanket or 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 sad.
Our Father in heaven is a God of comfort. He will always be there to help us through our troubles. Look to him for those warm and gentle words and be someone who can pass that assurance on to others who need it.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Donate a few 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
Paul found out with his Corinthian friends that sometimes relationships can be painful. Sometimes, it feels like all of your kindness toward someone is given back. It feels one sided. It is difficult to open our hearts to others, but we know this is what Christ showed us.
Jesus knew what it felt like to be betrayed when he gave 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 stop loving even if you get nothing in return.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Help someone out with one of their chores.
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. But because you are a believer, you have another source to grow your love, joy, and peace. Think about a well but instead of drawing water, ask the Lord for strength that you can draw from him 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 in you.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Be patient with someone today.
JANUARY 18
Not of Yourself
God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift.
EPHESIANS 2:8 NIRV
We tend to be hard on ourselves. There are so many things on our to-do list. School work needs to be done, the room needs to be cleaned, toys need to be picked up, not to mention the extra jobs our parents ask us to do! We sometimes feel like doers, and this can become part of how we see our faith. Is it a checklist of do’s and don’ts?
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 a place with God. You are loved and you are forgiven simply because you believe. Allow yourself to experience freedom from this truth and share the same kind of graciousness toward others.
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 and sometimes it feels uncomfortable to put on the kind of Christ-like love that the world desperately needs. A quick prayer or reading of the Bible just might be the encouragement you need to get yourself clothed with compassion for the day. Whether you feel like it or not, it looks beautiful on you.
ACT OF KINDNESS
Text a friend three things you like 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 tries to calm the situation down with a soft tone and kind words.
Jesus was a person of peace. To pass on the gift of peace to others, we might have to lay down some of our rights 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 better 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, then you would have come up with an answer to Peter’s question as 490. This was not what Jesus was answering in response to the question.
We sometimes feel like we can be gracious, but we don’t want to let someone take advantage of us. We think we need to put limits on our generosity. Jesus’ response lets us know there are no limits on forgiveness, and it’s easy to see why. The grace 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!
