Step 1 Learn of Him
Is one person’s kindness really noticed?
Glenn Buratti, a kindergartner with autism, had a sixth birthday to celebrate. He invited all 16 kids in his class to his birthday party.
But, not one of the kids attended. Likely related to scheduling conflicts and ‘someone else will attend’ rationale, those children missed the first chance to be there for Glenn.
Heart broken, his mother shared the story with a local Facebook group—and the acts of kindness began from perfect strangers. One family brought a gift and stayed for cake. The sheriff sent a helicopter to fly circles over the house. Police officers with a canine unit and fire fighters came in their cars and trucks. And other families showed up to show Glenn love.
While it is unhealthy to be all things to all people and unrealistic to say yes to every invitation, each person’s kindness is noticed. Learn more about Glenn’s most memorable birthday by searching autistic boy’s birthday saved. If you had read the appeal from Glenn’s mother, what would you have done?
Jesus showed us the way by reaching out in kindness. In Ephesians 4:32, the apostle Paul shared, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Jesus demonstrated immense compassion as he healed, taught, fed, and served the people. He touched the untouchable leper (Matthew 8:1-4). He forgave the sinner as she was about to be stoned (John 8:1-11). Jesus offered kindness to those shunned by their own.
Kindness is offering empathy and goodwill toward others—and we are repaid with astonishing physical benefits. When we are kind to others (and ourselves), it boosts serotonin in our brain, which increases our sense of well-being. It also increases endorphins, which help reduce pain. Being kind reduces blood pressure, helps reduce inflammation, and decreases anxiety.
Kindness is good for your heart, mind, and body.
There is a ripple effect to kindness that collectively fights against forces that might tear us apart.
Step 2 Acting on Kindness
As you work on increasing kindness, remember that a simple gesture can have enormous downstream effects even if not seen.
Matthew 8:1-4
When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Luke 6:35
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
