Preston’S guide to kindness:
LIVING OUt god’s love in school,
life, & everyday moments
Hello! My name is Preston, and I’m a rising junior in high school. For starters, here’s a question: When was the last time you showed someone kindness, or have been helpful to someone in need? Not just taking out the trash when you weren't asked to or doing the dishes, but doing a genuine, heartfelt act of kindness for someone you may not have even known very well. We should aim to do this every chance we get, because that’s exactly what God calls His children to do in His word.
One example that comes to mind when I think of showing kindness to others is when I was in class finishing a math assignment, and I noticed someone sitting near me, whom I didn’t talk to much, was working on the same thing. They didn’t ask for help, but it was clear that they were struggling. So, instead of sitting around and doing nothing, I decided to ask if they needed help, and they ended up completing the assignment on time. We also became good friends afterward! There are a million more ways to show kindness to others, but something as simple as helping with a school assignment can go a long way.
Romans 12:13 couldn't have made this calling clearer. This verse tells us directly to “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” This verse is a direct command to be hospitable and kind to others. But this isn't the only time the Bible gives us this message.
In Hebrews 13:2, the Bible says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” This verse essentially tells us to be kind and compassionate to strangers, as they may be a blessing in disguise. So you should strive to be kind to everyone you meet, you never know which one of them will bless your life!
You should also try to be kind to others because God has shown immeasurable kindness and love to us as well. His love and compassion are so great that He sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to lay His life down on the cross, and die for our sins so that we could have everlasting life. How much nicer can you get than that? God calls us to pay this kindness forward. In Romans 11:22, Paul writes, “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness.” This statement encourages us to walk in Godly compassion and to be hospitable and kind to others, as he has been to us all of our lives.
Even beyond just being nice to those around you through words, you should also sacrifice your time and be a helper to them as well. The Bible tells us to do this in many passages, such as 1 John 3:17-18, which states
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? … let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse tells us to not only show love and kindness through words, but also through our actions in helping those who need it.
In conclusion, God calls us to be kind and compassionate to everyone we come across, as well as being an aide to those in need of help or guidance, even to those we don’t know. So, the next time you see someone sitting in the corner of a class or at a lunch table alone, maybe you should sit with them. Show them the kindness and hospitality that God so desires to see in his people. Who knows, maybe they’ll be an angel in disguise and bless your life in ways that you could never imagine!
REFLECT
When was the last time someone showed you unexpected kindness? How did it make you feel?
Is there anyone at your school, church, or in your neighborhood who might be struggling silently—like the classmate Preston mentioned?
What are some ways God has shown kindness to you this week, even in small things?
NOW ACT
Memorize one of the scriptures from this article (like Romans 12:13 or 1 John 3:17-18) and challenge yourself to live it out this week.
Plan one specific act of kindness you can do anonymously for someone outside your normal friend group.
Teens, it is never too early to give your heart to Jesus Christ. That means that you believe that He is the Son of God and He died for your sins. Now, follow Jesus, the Word of God, at home, in school, and in church.
Would you like to share your personal story from school on God’s impact on your life?