God calls us to be kind. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Every day brings endless opportunities to cultivate the fruit of kindness in our lives. And with each step we take to grow by showing kindness to others, we’ll also share the love of Jesus. That’s the beauty of the fruit!
Here, we share 20 small acts of kindness you can do today to share the love of Jesus with those around you. But before we jump into the list, let’s learn from the ultimate example of kindness: our Savior.
Jesus Is the Ultimate Example of Showing Kindness
Kindness isn’t just being friendly or pleasant to talk to. While those are important, showing kindness is so much more. The Greek word for “kindness” is chréstotés. And the primary meaning of this word is “usefulness.”
Yes, usefulness. Kindness is an action. It means acting in love to improve the well-being of those around you. And there’s no greater example of this than Jesus.
Jesus Acts on Behalf of the Adulterous Woman
In John 8, a woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus as he was teaching a crowd. Per the law of Moses, this was a crime punishable by death. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees started to question Jesus.
“In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” — John 8:5, NIV
He could’ve looked away. After all, the teachers and Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus so they could charge him with a crime. But Jesus looked at the woman and saw someone in desperate need of rescue, both physically and spiritually. He could deliver both.
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” — John 8:7, NIV
One by one, those circling the woman began to walk away. Soon, Jesus was the only one left.
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” — John 8:10-11, NIV
Jesus chose kindness: He took action, doing what he could to improve her well-being. The result? Her life was changed for eternity.
Jesus Showed Kindness in the Small Things Too
We know what you’re thinking: Saving someone from death isn’t really a small act of kindness. But Jesus also:
Touched the leper when no one else would (Matthew 8:3).
Welcomed Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was hated by his peers (Luke 19:1-10).
Fed the hungry bellies of 5,000 people (John 6:1-14).
Took time to bless children, despite being busy teaching and healing (Mark 10:13-16).
Washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17).
For Jesus, no act of kindness was ever small. He proved that even the smallest expression of love can carry a kingdom-sized impact. And this is true for us too!
20 Small Acts of Kindness: Examples for Sharing Love Today
Small acts of kindness help us share Jesus’ love with those around us. And while the actions may seem small, they’ll make a great impact when we do them in his name. Here are some practical, everyday ways you can show kindness to someone today.
1. Offer a Hug
Sometimes, all someone needs is a hug. Offer a hug to a friend who’s overwhelmed or a family member who needs reassurance. This simple gesture reminds those around you that they’re loved and supported, even when words fall short.
2. Share a Playlist
Music is a powerful way to encourage someone, such as a friend, family member or even a co-worker. Plus, it’s a source of encouragement and love that just keeps giving, over and over again.
You can include worship music, calming instrumentals or songs that remind them of God’s love and faithfulness. And if they’re close, add in a few songs that remind you of them.
3. Sit With Someone
Jesus often sat with those around him. For example, he wept with Mary and Martha after Lazarus’ death (John 11:35) and shared meals with despised tax collectors (Matthew 9:10). These acts of kindness showed these individuals that they mattered to him.
Our presence can do the same! Take the time to sit with a loved one going through a hard time, visit a friend to catch up (and bring cookies) or grab a seat next to a visitor at church.
4. Send a Quick Prayer Text
In this digital world we live in, showing kindness is easier than ever. You can send a text to a friend in seconds! Why not send a quick text with a prayer for their day?
For example, you can simply say, “Lord, give [Name] peace today.” Or “Father, strengthen [Name] today.” This small act reminds others that God sees them and that someone is lifting them up.
Related Read: Digital Habits for Raising Kids in a Screen-Filled World
5. Write a Thank-You Note
Deliver a handwritten thank-you note to a teacher, pastor, co-worker or friend who has blessed you. For example, thank them for something they’ve done that has impacted you. This kind gesture will not only bring a smile to their face but will also remind them of just how valuable they are.
6. Visit a Friend or Family Member
Visiting someone and giving them your time shows that they’re a priority in your life. Bring a treat, help them with a task or simply sit and listen to them share about what’s going on around them. Just remember that it’s a good idea to text or call first.
7. Share a Bible Verse
There’s no better way to share the love of Jesus than by pointing someone to Scripture. Send a Bible verse to someone via text or write it down and hand-deliver it. Ask God to point you to a verse that fits their needs today.
Want some inspiration? Check out these Bible verses about encouragement or these Scriptures about hope.
8. Carry Someone’s Groceries
Showing kindness can sometimes look like lightening someone’s load — literally! When you go to the grocery store, offer to carry an elderly individual’s groceries. Or help the mom juggling her kiddos by loading her stroller or bags. This simple act says, “You’re not alone.”
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2, NIV
9. Drop Off a Meal
Sharing a meal is a win-win: Not only will you nourish someone’s body, but you’ll also nourish their soul by showing them that you care. Make extra for dinner and deliver some to your neighbor. Or send a meal delivery to that friend who just had a baby.
10. Tell Someone You Appreciate Them
Did the waitress go above and beyond during your dinner? Tell her. Did your spouse do something you appreciate? Tell them. Did a co-worker take a task off your plate that eased your load? Say so!
Whenever someone does something you appreciate, don’t wait — tell them in the moment. Your thanks will show them just how valued they are. It might also encourage them to keep being kind, creating a ripple effect.
11. Let Someone Cut in Line
Allowing someone to go in front of you in the checkout line or the drive-thru costs you only a moment, but it blesses them with unexpected kindness. This simple act shares Christlike love by placing their needs above your own.
12. Show Patience
1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us that love is patient. So we should also be patient when emulating Jesus’ love. For example, this might look like responding with gentleness when someone is frustrated or angry. Or it might look like giving grace when someone is late.
These simple choices mean putting your own emotions aside and choosing to act in a way that’s loving and caring toward others, reflecting Jesus’ sacrificial love.
Related Read: Bible Verses About Patience
13. Pray for a Friend in Need
Praying for someone is an act of love that means taking their needs to the Father, who can provide for them all. When someone asks for prayer or has a need, if you’re able, pray for them right then and there.
This simple act reminds those around you that they’re not carrying their burdens alone. It also brings them closer to Jesus, who can provide comfort and strength in any situation.
14. Give a Donation
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” — Matthew 19:21, NIV
Jesus commands us to be generous to those around us, especially those in need. If you have a little extra in your pocket, why not share it? For example, you can donate to your local food pantry or even donate to children in poverty.
Donating is a simple way to be love in action, showing kindness to the vulnerable. And remember, no amount is too small — just like the loaves and fish (John 6:1-14), Jesus can multiply any gift and use it for good.
15. Share a Coffee With Someone
Is there anything better than a warm cup of coffee or tea? This is especially true on a hard or stressful day. A cup of coffee doesn’t cost much, yet it’s a super simple way to make someone’s day. And to boost its impact, try writing a Bible verse on the cup or add a sticky note with a word of encouragement.
16. Compliment a Stranger
Jesus loved to lift others up, especially those often overlooked. For example, the Samaritan woman was ostracized by those around her. But Jesus spent one-on-one time with her, showing her she was seen, valued and loved.
A sincere compliment enables us to do the same for those around us. In just a few seconds, you can affirm someone’s smile, kindness, patience or hard work, showing them Christlike love.
17. Give Something Away
Generosity and kindness go hand in hand. And all of us have something we can share that might brighten someone’s day. For example, you might share a book that encouraged you with a friend or leave some quarters taped to a vending machine for someone who might need them.
18. Choose the Farther Parking Spot
Sometimes, the most impactful acts of kindness happen quietly when no one’s watching. Choosing the farther parking spot, for example, leaves space for parents, elderly neighbors or those who are injured.
This small choice costs you only a few extra steps, but it’s a humble way to put others first. And even unseen acts like these reflect the heart of Jesus and touch those around you.
19. Share What You Have
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” — Luke 3:11, NIV
Sharing what you have — food, clothing, time or other resources — is a simple way to meet real needs. You can share your extra groceries, lend someone some tools or even offer a ride to someone. Sharing what God has blessed you with is a practical way to love your neighbor.
20. Sponsor a Child
Children living in poverty around the world need the hope that comes from knowing Jesus’ love. And you can share his love with a child in need right now by becoming a sponsor.
Through sponsorship, you’ll donate to a child monthly. This consistent support empowers a local church to care for a child’s immediate needs, introduces them to the hope of the gospel and prepares them for a brighter future.
By caring for one child, you equip them to rise above poverty and help others do the same. Child sponsorship is a simple yet impactful way to act on behalf of the least of these, showing kindness where it’s needed most.
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40, NIV
Small Acts of Kindness Support Aditto & His Family
When we choose kindness in small, everyday ways, we join God in the quiet work he’s already doing to bring hope to the world. These simple choices create a ripple effect, even touching lives across the globe, including Aditto’s.
In a small tea field village in Bangladesh lives 8-year-old Aditto and his three siblings. If you were to visit their home, you’d find only a plastic table, a chair and numerous little handmade trucks strewn across the floor.
These trucks, made by Aditto out of biscuit packets, are the only toys he and his siblings possess. But those trucks — a source of joy — are little reminders of hope despite the extreme poverty that surrounds them.
Aditto’s father, Sushil, spends his days collecting firewood and bamboo from the jungle to sell at the nearby market. Sometimes, he gathers baskets of fish to sell too. Sonali, Aditto’s mother, works in the tea fields, plucking tea leaves for hours a day.
Despite their tireless efforts, Sushil and Sonali struggle to feed their family. Their next meal is never guaranteed. During the monsoon season, work for Sushil is scarce. And while Sonali’s work is steady, the $2.50 she earns per day is far from enough to meet their needs.
However, hope is found through the kindness of the local church. Through Aditto’s Compassion center, he receives care like nutritious meals and medical checkups, easing the load the family carries.
Through special support channels, like Compassion’s Highly Vulnerable Children fund (HVC), Aditto’s family receives support too, including critical food supplies.
“The food supplies we get through the HVC funds make the biggest difference in the world to me during the monsoons, when work opportunities run dry and my chances of bringing back food turn low.” — Sushil
Thankfully, at the Compassion center, Aditto also gets all the biscuit packets he needs to build his beloved toy trucks. And as his collection grows, so does the hope in his heart.
Even though Aditto is only 8, he understands the difficulties life can bring. But he also knows and believes in the kindness of others.
Because of the meals and care provided by the local church — and even just the small biscuit packs that bring him joy as he builds his trucks — he and his family have a lifeline of survival and hope for a brighter future.
A simple meal, a hug on a hard day, a word of encouragement — small acts of kindness can make big impacts in the lives of those around us. Especially when we do them in the name of Jesus. Today, share his love with someone. You never know what lives he might change through you.