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Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Modeling Encouragement with Random Acts of Kindness, focuses on kindness.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Modeling Encouragement with Random Acts of Kindness
Has there ever been a greater need in history for role models? Individuals who hold up a standard of strong convictions, morals, and just plain, old-fashioned kindness.
My favorite way to learn is to watch someone, in person or on a video, as they show how to do something. I can’t tell you how many podcasting tutorials I’ve watched. I love the old saying. People don’t as much listen to what you say as they watch what you do.
Titus 2:7 in the NLT says “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”
We need to be an example and model encouragement. Dwight L. Moody’s advice is to “do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can.”
Let’s break that down:
- Do all the good you can. Opportunities are everywhere if we open our hearts, eyes, and ears to notice. People are hurting, and sometimes only need a timely word to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
- To all the people you can. That means everyone, regardless of race, gender, and culture. Sadly, people sometimes tie kindness to conditions, thus robbing the freedom of the act.
- In all the ways you can. I advocate being part of a church or community group when it comes to encouraging. Working with other people to reach out to the community helps relieve the awkwardness and fear sometimes involved.
- As long as ever you can. You never retire from random acts of kindness. If I’m in a place where I can’t do something physically, I can stop and pray. And prayer changes things.
What an inspiring way to add value to people. John C. Maxwell said, “People never care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
That brings us to random acts of kindness. Jesus modeled this throughout his time on earth. I believe His caring attitude is one of the reasons people flocked to Him wherever He went. Think about it. Kindness. He called Zacchaeus down from the tree. Met the woman at the well where she was. Physically touched people considered unclean. Forgave people while he hung on the cross. Died to free us so we can live with Him forever in heaven.
How can we do less? I want to learn from the way Jesus modeled his life and do the same for others. Last year, I shared 12 ideas to help improve someone’s day during the pandemic…
- Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Or give a generous tip to the food delivery person.
- Send cards of encouragement by regular mail.
- Volunteer or donate virtually. I’ll add a link in the show notes about ways to do this. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a34288060/virtual-volunteer-opportunities/
- Pick up trash alongside the road in your neighborhood. The walk will do you good and you’ll improve the look of your community.
- Send e-cards.
- Provide a single mom and her children a meal by having food delivered or sending a gift card by email.
- Read to children online through Facebook Live or another media source. And share encouragement online. Be a shining light on social media instead of spreading bad news.
- Give blood at the local blood bank. Call for an appointment.
- Send food gift cards to the staff at the Intensive Care Unit of your local hospital.
- If possible, offer baby-sitting services for people in health services.
- Send a gift card anonymously to someone you work with.
- During your online shopping time, think of others who may have a need. Leave positive reviews on the shopping websites.
Look at all the ways we can reach others in our dance with God. As we move along the dance floor, He points to others and we model kindness. Others watch us and learn, imitating our positive behavior. I think about those “Pass it on” commercials from the Foundation for a Better Life. They inspire me to kindness.
How about we model encouragement today with a random act of kindness?
Let’s pray: Father God, we start by thanking You for sending Your Son. He showed the ultimate act of kindness by laying down His life for us. Help us to do the same for the people we come in contact with. We want to dance in Your will, Your way, and especially in Your timing. Help us to take your hand and then reach out to others, In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Kindness. One of the fruits of the Spirit. And a way to reach people by showing the love of God. Next week, we’ll learn more about why encouragement is not always what you think. Until then, stay determined to dance.
Links:
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Remember: Modeling Encouragement with Random Acts of Kindness
Video of the week:
I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.
