“Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.”—Ephesians 4:29 (GNT)
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa
You may not know this, but November 13th-19th is World Kindness Week. What better time than this to write about the topic. It started in 1998 as one day (November 13th) but is now spread across an entire week. It was founded by the World Kindness Movement.
Knowing it is not affiliated with any religion, might make others more open to a stranger’s kind actions. As Christians this is something we try and practice daily but having a week where it is promoted could be the perfect opportunity for us to share the love of Jesus with someone that might be searching or in a dark place.
Our world is desperate to see goodness in their day. Even the smallest act of kindness with a stranger can go a long way. It truly is contagious. It can have a ripple effect. Am I overflowing with love and being more intentional with my words and actions to exude this?
God’s grace is not a gift to be kept to ourselves. It is also for us to be a blessing to those we encounter each day. Christ’s love living in us can be felt by someone else. We don’t have to be an evangelist to share what Jesus has and is doing in our life. A smile, an encouraging word, or listening ear are just a few ways you can represent Christ to others in your sphere of influence.
While I plan on giving away some knit gifts this week, I know that isn’t going to happen every day. However, I can speak positive affirmations to someone whose service I appreciate to let them know I notice them, and they matter. Others may choose to pay for the person’s meal or coffee who is behind them in line or at the drive through.
Even something as simple as writing a scripture on a card along with a compliment to a person is a way to share Jesus. God can use us as instruments to be the light of Christ in our corner of the world. If we ask, He will provide opportunities to promote love and kindness to those He puts in our pathway.
Will you join me this week in either doing or saying an act of kindness to one person each day? We are serving Jesus with all acts of kindness; big and small. Being respectful, kind and appreciative to a person can change their day. We never know when God will use us to be a blessing when someone needs it the most.
Father God,
Help me change my corner of the world one kind word/gesture at a time. Open my eyes to those who need kindness woven into their day. May I speak encouragement to those You put in my pathway this week. Use me as a vessel to make someone’s day a little bit better by speaking words of life into them. I ask for boldness and courage to be able to infuse the Gospel into my words and actions. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
November Verse
"Therefore, be alert, because you don't know on what day your Lord will return.” –Matthew 24:42 (GW)
If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make