Missional Rhythms: 15 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas

There is no doubt that small things done with great love can change the world. An act of random kindness with no strings attached is a great way to be intentionally missional and show the love of Jesus to those around us.

Kindness is a way of showing others that they are celebrated, appreciated, and honored as a person of value.

By doing random kind acts for others, you’re helping to create “kindness-crazed” communities that value generosity of spirit, faith in action, and spur kindness toward others as essential parts of a healthy faith community.

Who doesn’t appreciate a free cup of coffee and a bagel? Especially from someone who is smiling, happy and having fun. This type of servant evangelism wins the heart before it engages the mind. A small act of random kindness brings a person to a greater awareness of God’s presence in your community—and God’s graciousness at work in their lives.

These generous moments can be simple, natural, inexpensive and fun!

15 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas:

1. Deliver fresh-baked cookies to a neighbor or co-worker.
2. Bring flowers (poinsettias, etc.) to someone.
3. Offer to baby-sit for free.
4. Pay for the person behind you in a drive-thru or at a coffee shop.
5. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or reconcile a bruised relationship.
6. Send a note of encouragement to someone.
7. Give a treat to the postman or delivery person.
8. Leave a big tip for a waiter or waitress.
9. Pay for someone’s movie that is behind you in line.
10. Slip a $20 bill to someone who you know is struggling financially.
11. Pay for someone’s meal or dessert at a restaurant.
12. Bake goodies and take them to the police station, fire station, or hospital.
13. Bring refreshments to your local high school’s athletic practice session.
14. Take a box of doughnuts to a school, office, etc.
15. Donate blood.

Need more ideas? Visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation website.