Thought for the week

KINDNESS is one of the traits that marks us out as created in the image of God.

The Bible says this “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”

It’s a simple and good life pattern. Here’s five thoughts on how to show kindness this week. (1) The doorstep surprise. My wife and I have done this quite a few times with our cake business. We’ve delivered copious cupcakes to our neighbours’ doorstep. People are always thrilled. It’s a fun surprise they’re not expecting.

(2) Flowers for a friend. If your friend is having a good day – you’ll be the cherry on the cake. If they’re having a rubbish day – you’ll cheer them up. If they are in a really bad way – you might just have turned up in their hour of need. (3) Love your neighbour. Find out if your neighbours are families or couples, single mums or elderly widows.

Ask how they’re doing (in a non-weird way) and find out who might need help with the shopping.

(4) Pay it forward. You pay extra at your local coffee shop, so the next person gets a gifted coffee. An anonymous act of kindness. It might not be someone in financial need, but it’ll be sure to make their day.

(5) Keep someone warm. Search out your local homeless charity and find out their needs. Then dig into the back of your wardrobe and find something you haven’t worn for 12 months and donate along with a few tins of food from your weekly shop.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Barry Bond