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“Acts of Kindness: The Best Kind of Witness"

Many years ago, on the way back to college my old car overheated and refused to go any further. It was Sunday and everything was closed. I was stranded, hungry and broke. At a nearby house, an elderly couple graciously invited me inside; listened to my hardship story, fed me a delicious dinner and even helped fix the car. A simple act of kindness and love had a lasting impact on me.

The Bible certainly supports acts of kindness. For example:

† “A believer… was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.” (Acts 9:36)

† (Jesus) "If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different?" (Matthew 5:48)

† “What’s the use of saying you have faith, if you don’t prove it by actions?” (James 2:14)

In other words, acts of kindness tell the world what kind of people we really are. Would you like another example? Think about the two or three people who deeply influenced your life in a positive way. Why do you remember them? Was it something they said? Probably not! More than likely it was their attitude of kindness or generosity toward you? Acts of kindness work miracles!

For years Steve Sjogren successfully used a simple approach called “servant evangelism” that allows anyone to share God’s love. He offers in his book, “101 Ways to Reach Your Community,” simple and effective ideas a small group can use to demonstrate the love of God toward others. When people see the love of God in action, they want to know more. Here are my ten favorites:

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Soft Drink or Bottled Water Giveaway – On a hot afternoon there is nothing like a cold drink to soothe people’s thirst. A Diet Coke may not be exactly what Jesus had in mind when he spoke of giving away a cup of cold water (Mat. 10:42) but at least it’s cold.
Gasoline Buy-Down – This could create a traffic jam. Ask a station manager to lower the price of gasoline (usually an hour or two) by 25 or 30 cents. Then you pay the difference.
Assorted Giveaways – Everyone likes something for free, especially if it can be eaten: chewing gum, taffy, life savers. Packaged is better than homemade because of the times.
Dollar Tipping Restaurant Servers – Church people have a reputation for being lousy tippers so this helps to change attitudes. Bring a pile of one-dollar bills and hand one to each server who walks by saying, “I’ll bet you haven’t been tipped enough lately.”
Twenty Dollar Challenge – If you’re starting from scratch, you might try this: Everyone in your group agrees to do some sort of “act of kindness” and invest twenty dollars. To make it more fun offer prizes for, “Most Daring” or “Most Creative Project.”
Newspaper Giveaway – Buy newspapers directly from the publisher in bulk and put a sticker on them. Deliver them to every house that does not already receive one.
Stamp Giveaway in front of Post Office – Ask for permission to set up a table by the front door of the post office and then ask everyone as they pass by, “Do they need one stamp or two?” This is especially popular at Christmas or on Tax Day.
Grocery Bag Packing & Escort Service – Ask the store manager if your team can help shoppers bag their groceries and escort them to the car. Each team member can wear a vest that says, “Kindness in Progress.” Be sure to explain to each customer who you are.
Totally Free Car Wash – Most expect a catch and plan to give a donation. Don’t accept. It will blow their minds. Explain what you are doing. Even provide lawn chairs to watch.
Appreciation Parties for Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Nurses, Etc. – These folks are often underappreciated so anything would be a wonderful treat. Do it up right and come to the station or hospital with food and festive table stuff. Our way of saying, “Thank you!”

With every act of kindness give a card with your name and this: “We hope this gift brightens your day. It’s our way of saying God loves you - no strings attached. Let us know if we can do more.“

Do you have other suggestions for possible, “Acts of Kindness?” Why don’t you write me and help us all touch even more lives in the name of Christ. Jesus said: “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

(Matt. 10:42) Will you accept the “Acts of Kindness” challenge today? I'm getting excited already… aren't you?!

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Last modified May 18, 2004.

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