Making the Choice to Be Kind
The “Choose Kind” campaign is an outgrowth of the popular middle-grade novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio. The book addresses the tough topic of bullying, but the main message centers around the life-changing (and community-changing) power of kindness.
Treating other people with courtesy, care, and respect isn’t always our first instinct. But as followers of Jesus, we can look to him as an example of how to interact with other people—individuals created and loved by God.
Anti-bullying initiatives in schools are making some inroads at boosting kindness, yet most kids will deal with teasing and taunting at some point. Older children may be shunned from a group, known as relational bullying. Or they may face rude or even abusive behavior online, known as cyberbullying.
By emphasizing kindness from an early age, parents raise children who know how to treat people well, tell right from wrong, and enlist help if problems arise. And by explaining the biblical basis for kindness, you let kids know the true reason—and source—behind such behavior.
Kindness is key, but it’s just a start. Galatians 5:22-23 lists eight other spiritual fruits that go hand-in-hand with kindness: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Read on to discover how your family can sow, reap, and bear the fruit of kindness!
“Wear” Kindness Everywhere!
Has your family ever taken a challenge to engage in random acts of kindness? That’s an exciting way to bless strangers and spread joy where it’s needed most; however, kindness is meant to be much more than a random act. As Christians, we’re to strive for regular acts of kindness—habits of compassion, empathy, and selflessness that become engrained in everyday life. Colossians 3:12 uses the imagery of clothing ourselves in kindness (as well as mercy, humility, gentleness, and patience). Use these family activities to teach the value of “wearing” kindness everywhere.
A Kind Touch: Play a kind version of Tag, with “It” using a feather to tag people out. When someone is out, another player can give them a hug or high-five to bring them back in. Afterward, talk about the kind actions on display in the game—and how your family can put them into practice in daily life.
Seeing As God Sees: Play dress-up, with a few family members in fancy clothes and jewelry, and others trying to look disheveled. Model your outfits. Then ask: “Who would you rather have as a friend? Why do we tend to treat certain people differently? Has your opinion about someone ever changed after you got to know them? Explain.” Read aloud James 2:1-5. Ask: “How does God want us to treat people, no matter what they look like? How can we change someone’s life through kindness?”
The Kindness of the Cross: Have people each draw a smiley face atop a piece of paper. Say: “Pretend this is your child. Below the face, draw everything your child needs to have a loving, healthy life.” Read 1 John 3:1. Say: “Caring for someone takes effort. God, our heavenly Father, takes care of us because he loves us.” Show another paper filled with lots of angry faces surrounding a cross. Ask: “Explain whether you’d hand over your child to a mad crowd to die on a cross. God chose to do that with his Son, Jesus, so we could live in heaven with him because he cares for us.” Read aloud 1 John 4:7-10, having people stand and quickly sit at each mention of “love” or “God.” Close in prayer, thanking God for kindly sending Jesus to save us.
“Mirror, Mirror”: Read Colossians 3:17. Say: “Whatever we do or say, we can represent Jesus.” Give each person an inexpensive pocket mirror. Use permanent markers to write the words of the Bible verse around the edges. Decorate the back of the mirror with words or pictures that remind you to be kind like Jesus.
Scoops of Kindness: Use plastic scoops for outdoor play, or make one by cutting two inches off the bottom of milk jugs. Take turns scooping a tennis ball high in the air so another family member can catch it. Before each toss, shout out one way to show kindness to someone. Afterward, review all the examples you shared and read aloud 1 John 4:19-21. Say: “God wants us to love others, and one way we do that is through acts of kindness. We can be loving and kind to one another because God loved us first!”
“God is kind to you, if you continue following in his kindness. If you do not, you will be cut off from the tree.”
—Romans 11:22
POWERSOURCE ASK JESUS: 1.To help you be an example of kindness in all your interactions. 2. To remind your children to choose kindness in their thoughts, words, and deeds. 3. To help your family members put a stop to any bullying they may encounter. |
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Teachable Moments
Kindness Counts
You’ll need ice cubes and paper towels. Have family members each share a time they’ve been kind to someone. Say: Kindness involves feelings and actions. Getting involved to help someone is the heart of kindness.
Read aloud Luke 10:30-37. Say: The priest and Levite may have been very caring guys who just happened to be too busy or scared to help. They may have felt sympathy, but only the good Samaritan expressed kindness. He set aside his own concerns to act and assist.
Give each person an ice cube and a paper towel. Have them clench the ice over the towel while taking turns sharing a worry or problem (about five minutes). Then ask: What was it like to listen closely when the ice in your hand was distracting you? How is this like putting aside our daily concerns and being kind? Say: Even when we’re uncomfortable or stressed, God will help us show kindness and compassion to others.
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