I had a totally different blog post planned for today (how I eat healthy & balanced in college coming soon!🥳) but the Lord has just put something else entirely on my heart!
Kindness seems like the most basic of human qualities, but I’m learning that is actually the most powerful. It sometimes feels like it’s dwindling in this world, and sometimes like it’s overflowing. Today, for me, it feels overflowing, and I’m inspired to keep it going!
The beauty of kindness is that it is a ripple effect. One act of kindness inspires another, and so on and so on, until the world is just a bit brighter and our friendships are a bit sweeter!
I think sometimes there is a stigma around kindness; I’ve been called a suck-up for doing something sweet… it was pretty discouraging. There are some people who view generosity of heart with a self-seeking perspective, and honestly, I’ve found myself thinking those same thoughts, fueled by jealousy and insecurity of my own character. Thank God that He changes our hearts and purifies our sinful motives, because Lord knows I need it.
When reflecting on kindness this past week, my mind goes towards the ultimate act of kindness- Jesus dying on the cross to save us from our sins, just because God loved us so so so much. God is so kind, and sometimes I forget that because I’m so focused on how I can be seen, heard, loved, admired, etc. etc. in this world. God is so so so kind, He gave us hearts that when turned toward Him, allow us to want to show that kindness to others. That is so unfathomly beautiful!
“For you were called to freedom, brothers (& SISTERS). Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.
Galations 5:13
Sooooo what are some tangible ways that we can live out our calling to freedom and love by serving each other??? Wellllll, let’s break this down!
- Leave a friend a sweet/encouraging/funny sticky note! (MY FAV)
- Offer someone a ride!
- Bring someone coffee, donuts, candy, etc. etc. etc. (sweets and coffee are my love language….)
- GENUINE COMPLIMENTS
- Giving someone your full attention when they are speaking
- Smile at people you pass by!
- Let your passenger play the music in the car while you’re driving
- Walk with someone to class, even if it’s out of your way
- Speak LIFE over people! Encourage encourage encourage. Let your words build up the people around you; cheer your friends (and not-so-friends) on with a pure heart, no matter what your insecurities are making you feel
Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24
- Start a nice conversation while you and another person are awkwardly riding the elevator together
- Call a friend you normally don’t talk to just to ask about their day
- Remember the things that people choose to share with you, & then follow up later on!!!! This shows that you care 🙂
- Offer someone your seat, your jacket, your pen, etc. (my friend Madison is amazing at this, she levels up the friendship game!)
- PRAY for + over the people in your life. There is nothing more powerful, kind, or selfless than prayer. When we seek, ask, and knock, the Lord hears us and answers us!!! I am trying to start praying over my loved ones more.
There are so many more ways to show a little bit of extra kindness each day! When we start to focus on the good we can do, the bad starts to fade to the background. Let’s all try to be a good friend today!!!
Simply,
Sydney
