10 Ways to Spread Kindness in the World

Is it just me, or have people in the world reached a whole new level of mean? In a time when it’s more common to be cruel, you and I, as Christians should work even harder to spread kindness.

Hate and ugliness just keep spreading, fueled by politicians and the media. But you and I are called to be different, and make a difference.

It’s easy to talk about being kind, but not always obvious how to spread kindness. But here are some great ideas for spreading kindness in the world right now.

_{This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I received a copy of Make Their Day from the publisher in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.}

Spread Kindness in Your Community

So many people in our communities are hurting right now! The strain of the pandemic will probably be felt by many for years to come.

Many people were separated from their families and friends for months. We may never know the mental impact that people have suffered, and continue to suffer.

Everyone could use some kindness in their lives now more than ever. Look around your church, neighborhood and town for people who might be unnoticed.

• Leave a larger tip for a server.
• Smile at a stranger.
• Pay for the meal or drink of someone behind you in a drive-thru.
• Take time to speak to a widow/widower or single mom at your church.

These are just a few ideas. You won’t need to think very long before you can come up with more. Reach out when you can, and employ hospitality at home when you have the opportunity.

Spread Kindness Online

Recently I commented something on a news story on Facebook. I wasn’t surprised later when I saw that someone disagreed with my comment.

I was a little surprised, though, that this man, who doesn’t even know me, chose to comment about my weight.

That’s the world we live in now. Where a person can disagree, but instead of simply saying, “I disagree,” they make personal attacks.

If you’ve spent very much time online over the last year or so, you’ve probably seen this firsthand. It costs nothing to keep scrolling. But people are more likely to leave a mean comment.

Your mom used to say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” But that’s not how people act today.

As Christians, we should never participate in spreading ugliness, but maybe we can take it a step further. It seems shallow, but a kind comment on social media has the ability to make me smile.

I know there is a lot of unhealthy addictions surrounding social media. And I’m certainly not telling you to start feeding into that!

But it’s okay to compliment a friend, or send a kind message. All of us like to put forth our best selves online. And it feels nice to have someone notice.

Spread Kindness at Home

If I asked you who you love the most in the world, there’s no doubt you would say your family. I know that’s who I would say.

Why is it, then, that our families often see the worst of us? I’m not here to make you (or me!) feel guilty. We get to be our truest selves when we are at home, and sometimes that means showing emotions we wouldn’t show in public.

While home is the place we are most likely to be “mean,” it’s also our greatest opportunity to spread kindness. No one knows us like our family, and we know them better than anyone else, too.

Take every opportunity to encourage your children. Compliment and praise them. Let them know they are special to you.

The same goes for your husband. Honor your husband at home, and show him that he’s loved.

Proverbs 14:1 says, “Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Kindness is a powerful tool to use to build your home and family.

Make a Difference in the World

We live in a dark world. I am one person. Can I even make a difference?

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

When it’s really, really dark–that’s when even the tiniest light makes the most difference. But we can’t hide it. God commands us to spread His light and His love in the world.

Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” When one person spreads kindness, it often encourages someone else to do the same.

One little candlestick doesn’t make much of a difference. But if it’s used to light other candles, soon the whole world will be lit.

Just start spreading kindness where you are. You might be surprised at how the darkness lightens up.

10 Ways to Spread Kindness

I’ve been feeling so inspired lately by Karen Ehman’s newest book, Make Their Day: 101 Simple, Powerful Ways to Love Others Well.

This book is tiny, but packed with great ideas for spreading kindness to nearly anyone and everyone we meet.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Surprise a friend by delivering her favorite coffee drink.
2. Send a surprise note in your child or husband’s lunchbox.
3. Offer a listening ear to a friend who needs encouragement.
4. Take time to sit with an elderly person and listen to their stories.
5. Host an outdoor gathering for friends if your home is too small for an indoor get-together.
6. Keep small gifts in your car to pass out to homeless people.
7. Locate someone from your past who made an impact on you, and thank them.
8. Host a backyard movie night for friends.
9. Start a parent-child journal.
10. Have a $5 date night with your husband.

That’s just 10 ideas from the book–there are 91 more! Now, not all of these ideas will work for every person, or every season of life.

But if you are determined to spread kindness (and shouldn’t we all be determined to do that?) you’ll find a way here!

“Loving others well” might seem like a vague concept. But Make Their Day can really bring it home for you. I love so many of these ideas, and I can’t wait to start using some of them to spread kindness.

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Friend, the world doesn’t look like it’s going to be changing any time soon. In fact, we know from Scripture that it will continue to grow worse. That’s why our job is more important than ever.

Spread kindness. Show love. It’s that simple.

Share with your friends!