Random Acts of Kindness

 

Norman and Berdyne Fultz, friends of mine from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, shared an interesting incident on facebook that occurred this week.

The Fultz’s were eating at an On the Border restaurant on Monday evening celebrating their 70th Valentine’s Day together. Their meal became a little sweeter when the server informed them that an anonymous gentleman had paid their bill.

Apparently, he noticed them when they entered the restaurant and told the server they were “a cute couple,” and wanted to buy their dinner.

Berdyne said it was a “pleasant surprise.” Then added, “So thanks, Mr. Generosity wherever you are! You made our day.”

Acts of kindness, especially those that are unexpected and fortuitous are always appreciated. They lift our spirits. Make us feel special. And remind us of the goodness that exists in the world today. Even from total strangers.

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day. In fact, their web page promotes it as Random Acts of Kindness Week. And offers this encouragement.

This is a favorite day for many people and groups. People like the idea of showing a little kindness to others. It’s a fun and good thing to do. And, they like being on the receiving end of this day as well. It makes both the giver and the receiver feel good.

We highly recommend you perform kind acts on as many people as you can.

Of course, acts of kindness ought to characterize the Christian every day.

The Bible identifies 9 traits called “the fruit of Spirit.” Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. And included among these noble qualities is kindness (Gal. 5:22-23).

Among the virtues that the apostle Peter said ought to be added to our faith is “brotherly kindness” (2 Pet. 1:7).

Furthermore, the apostle Paul uses a metaphor of Christians being clothed in kindness in Colossians 3:12. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

What random act of kindness can you do that will make someone’s day? Here are a few ideas to spread kindness today.

♦Smile at everyone you meet today.

♦Buy your co-worker a cup of coffee.

♦Compliment your spouse.

♦Pay for the groceries for a random person at the grocery store.

♦Call an old friend you haven’t talked to in a long time just to catch up.

♦Write a letter or note to someone who has made a difference in your life and thank them.

♦Buy your wife (or a friend) flowers.

♦Give your server at a restaurant an extra big tip.

♦Post only positive comments on social media.

♦Leave quarters at the Laundromat for future customers.

♦Make a donation to a charity in someone’s honor or memory.

♦Compliment a parent on how well behaved their child is.

♦Bake a cake or some cookies to give someone “just because.”

♦Pay for a total stranger’s lunch.

♦Be polite on the road.

♦Welcome a new neighbor.

♦Share this blog post with 3 people.

♦Donate something to a local charity.

♦Ship a box of goodies to a college student.

♦Put money in expired parking meters.

♦Respond in genuine kindness when someone is rude to you.

♦Wipe clean your gym equipment when working out.

♦Thank God for His love, grace, and mercy toward you.

Throughout your day, look for ways to express kindness and remember these two important thoughts:

#1 “Wherever there is a human being there is an opportunity for kindness” –Seneca

#2 “Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. Make a difference for another today.” –Amy Leigh Mercree

“Be kind to one another” (Eph. 4:32).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman