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. Here, we share 20 small acts of kindness you can do today to share the love of Jesus.
20 Small Acts of Kindness: Examples for Sharing Love Today
1. Offer a Hug
Offer a hug to a friend who’s overwhelmed or a family member who needs reassurance. This simple gesture will remind them that they’re loved, even when words fall short.
2. Share a Playlist
Music is a powerful way to show someone you care. Plus, it’s a source of encouragement that just keeps giving, over and over again. Include worship music, calming instrumentals or songs that remind them of God’s love. If they’re close, add some 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 ate with tax collectors (Matthew 9:10). These acts of kindness showed these individuals that they mattered to him.
Our presence can do the same! 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! For example, you can simply say, “Lord, give [Name] peace today.” Or “Father, strengthen [Name] today.”
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. Thank them for something they’ve done for you. It will not only bring a smile to their face but will also remind them of how valuable they are.
6. Visit a Friend or Family Member
Giving someone 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 be sure 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.
8. Carry Someone’s Groceries
Showing kindness can sometimes look like lightening someone’s load — literally! When you go to the store, offer to carry an elderly individual’s groceries. Or help the mom juggling her kiddos by loading her bags.
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? Did a co-worker take a task off your plate that eased your load? Whenever someone does something you appreciate, don’t wait — tell them! Your thanks will show them just how valued they are.
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. This might look like responding with gentleness when someone is angry. Or it might look like giving grace when someone is late.
These simple choices mean acting 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.
14. Give a Donation
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, donate to your local food pantry or even donate to children in poverty.
Donating is a simple way to be love in action. 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
A cup of coffee doesn’t cost much, yet it’s a super simple way to make someone’s day. To boost its impact, write a Bible verse on the cup or add a sticky note with a word of encouragement.
16. Compliment a Stranger
Jesus loved to lift up the overlooked. For example, the Samaritan woman was ostracized by those around her. But Jesus spent time with her, showing her she was seen, valued and loved.
A compliment enables us to do the same for others. 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. For example, you might share a book that encouraged you or leave some quarters taped to a vending machine for someone who might need them.
18. Choose the Farther Parking Spot
Many impactful acts of kindness happen quietly when no one’s watching. Choosing the farther parking spot leaves space for parents, elderly neighbors or those who are injured. While it only costs you a few extra steps, it’s a humble way to put others first.
19. Share What You Have
Sharing what you have is a simple way to meet real needs. 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.
As a sponsor, you’ll equip a child 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 everyday kindness, we join God in the quiet work he’s 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 village in Bangladesh lives 8-year-old Aditto and his three siblings. 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.
Despite working tirelessly, Aditto’s parents, Sushil and Sonali, struggle to feed their family. During the monsoon season, work for Sushil is scarce. And while Sonali’s work in the tea field 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 food supplies and checkups, easing the load the family carries.
“The food supplies we get 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
At the Compassion center, Aditto also gets all the biscuit packets he needs to build his toy trucks. And as his collection grows, so does the hope in his heart. Because of the care provided by the local church — and even just the biscuit packs that bring him joy — he and his family have a lifeline of survival and hope.
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.