Random Acts of Kindness

I first heard about random acts of kindness in 1992. A random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual.

Random acts of kindness didn’t register with me as a ministry tool until I met Steve Sjogren in 2005. Steve taught about performing simple acts of kindness to show the love of God. Acts 10:38 “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good . . .”.

Acts of kindness soften the hearts of persons who are not yet Christians—people who often think the church exists only for itself or that it only wants people's time and money.

Living Word began to incorporate ‘on purpose’ acts of kindness into our servant evangelism activities. We handed out cold water on hot afternoons, provided yard care for the elderly and disabled and picked up trash along the streets in our community.

These are activities in which almost anyone can participate regardless of age (children and youth love to participate) or spiritual maturity. They may be done individually or in small groups.

Purposeful act of kindness can move people toward a greater understanding of God’s love. By doing a "low-risk" activity that shows "high grace," those resistant to the faith have become more open to the saving message of Jesus Christ.

Incorporating acts of kindness into your outreach ministry efforts pay high dividends not only for your community, but in the hearts of your congregates.