Kindness

Day 27 – December 27

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1227If you end up at a retail store in the “return” line, be especially patient and generous.

Let someone go in front of you.

Thank the cashier for the work they must do during particularly difficult retail days.

Maybe even get a small token of your appreciation to give to the person behind the counter.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9.8)

 

We encourage you to return daily for more opportunities to serve others during these 31 Days of Service. We also encourage you to share your own ideas of service as well as the times of service you and your family perform. You can use the comment section below or tag us in social media using: #sp31days

Day 24 – December 24

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1224Today many of us will either have family over or be with family. Some of our neighbors will not have that luxury.

Today serve your neighbor by doing something for them. What could you do? Here are some ideas:

  • Rake their leaves
  • Share some goodies
  • Have your children write them a note
  • Give them a gift card
  • Find something they need you do … and do it

While you may think you need to spend your time with family, perhaps the best time you can spend with family is to together serve others.

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first great commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22.37-38)

 

We encourage you to return daily for more opportunities to serve others during these 31 Days of Service. We also encourage you to share your own ideas of service as well as the times of service you and your family perform. You can use the comment section below or tag us in social media using: #sp31days

Day 21 – December 21

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1221As we get closer to Christmas Day, we not only get excited for the holidays, we also get rushed. And tired. And irritable. And impatient.

Today, serve someone you come in contact with by being patient.

Let someone in your traffic lane, even if it means you have to sit an extra cycle at the stoplight.

Recognize that all of the people out rushing around are doing the same things you are–trying to get their holiday preparations done. Since they are just like you, show them some mercy.

And remember, the person taking your exchange after you stood in line for way too long: they have been doing this all day long. Be patient with them and show some cheer and love.

But the fruit of the Spirit is … patience. (Galatians 5.22)

 

We encourage you to return daily for more opportunities to serve others during these 31 Days of Service. We also encourage you to share your own ideas of service as well as the times of service you and your family perform. You can use the comment section below or tag us in social media using: #sp31days

Day 14 – December 14

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1214For most of us, our pace of life is so busy, we rarely have time to be fully in the moment with others. Because of this, there are many around us who are lonely and discouraged.

Stop and spend just a few minutes, 30 minutes over a cup of coffee perhaps, being fully present with someone, especially someone who may be needing some encouragement.

Turn off your phone, forget about your next appointment, talk little and listen lots. Just be with that person.

Recalling your tears, I long to see you. (2 Timothy 1.4)

Other Ideas:

•If you are with multiple people, each of you put your phone in the middle of the table. First one to grab their phone buys.

•You might think of several questions–all focused on someone else–to help focus you on being fully present with them. Make sure they are questions that cause you to listen more than you talk.

We encourage you to return daily for more opportunities to serve others during these 31 Days of Service. We also encourage you to share your own ideas of service as well as the times of service you and your family perform. You can use the comment section below or tag us in social media using: #sp31days

Day 13 – December 13

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1213Call you parents or your grandparents. (You might also choose to call your children or grandchildren.)

Tell them how much you love them, what their lives have meant to you, and why you are thankful for them.

I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1.3)

Other Ideas:

•You could also put this in writing, so they can read and reread your words.

•And in this tech-savvy world we live in, you might think about doing this in video form.

We encourage you to return daily for more opportunities to serve others during these 31 Days of Service. We also encourage you to share your own ideas of service as well as the times of service you and your family perform. You can use the comment section below or tag us in social media using: #sp31days

Day 12 – December 12

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1212Smile.

Smile again.

Be kinder than necessary.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3.12)

Other Ideas:

•Practice “Random Acts of Kindness.” Be nice to someone just for the sake of being nice.

•If you can, be nice to someone anonymously, without letting anyone know what you are up to.

We encourage you to return daily for more opportunities to serve others during these 31 Days of Service. We also encourage you to share your own ideas of service as well as the times of service you and your family perform. You can use the comment section below or tag us in social media using: #sp31days