A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS: Small Gestures, Big Impact

Can a simple lunch order change a life? We often think that serving God requires grand gestures, but often He moves through the "random" moments of our day. Drawing from a personal story of an unexpected blessing in a cafeteria line, this blog explores why kindness is a vital part of the Great Commission and how you can use small acts of love to remind those around you that they are seen by God.

C. Atkinson

3/9/20242 min read

a person crossing a street at a crosswalk

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

It is a true privilege to be alive today and to give God thanks for His endless mercies! The very air we breathe is reason enough to offer our Heavenly Father praise.

If we pause for just a moment to reflect on God's goodness, our minds would be overwhelmed by memories of His unfailing love. I often think about the seen and unseen dangers He protects us from day by day. As the Psalmist David declared, “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).

Jesus perfectly exemplified kindness, compassion, and love through His sacrifice on the cross. It was an act of love so great that none of us could ever repay Him—a debt paid in FULL.

The Power of a Helping Hand

I want to take this time to shed light on how a “RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS” goes a mighty long way. Paul the Apostle encouraged the Church to be tenderhearted and forgiving, just as Christ was for us.

I remember a day when I went to work low on cash. I had no choice but to trust the Lord to provide. During my break, I headed to the cafeteria. While standing in a very long line, I saw a coworker looking reluctant to join the queue behind me. Knowing how stressful it is to try to grab a quick bite with limited time, I offered to order his food for him while I was already at the front.

With a smile, he agreed. However, when it came time to pay, he reached out, took my plate, and told the cashier, “I’m paying for both.” I truly didn’t expect it, but I was deeply grateful. He had no idea that I had walked into work concerned about having enough money for lunch. He never knew that God used him to deliver a random act of kindness to someone in need. That gesture made my heart smile and served as a tangible reminder that God is always watching over me.

Valuable in His Sight

Our Heavenly Father cares about every situation we face, even the ones we don’t express out loud. Luke 12:6-7 reminds us that not even a single sparrow is forgotten by God, and even the hairs on our heads are numbered. We are more valuable to Him than we can imagine!

In a world full of challenges, we never truly know what someone else is going through. Sometimes the people with the biggest smiles are struggling the most. As disciples of Jesus, we have been given the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), and often, a simple act of kindness is the "open door" we need to reach a soul for the Kingdom.

Ways to Shine Your Light

Whatever your plans are for the days ahead, remember that kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). You don’t need a large bank account to make a difference; you just need a willing heart.

Here are a few ways to show kindness this week: