Teaching Kids KindnessSample

  Day 4: Kindness in Our Communities 

A flyer had been circulating around our community and nationally, encouraging people to bring harm to someone who was Muslim on a certain day of the month. As soon as Kristin, Julie, and I heard about it, we knew we wanted to make the Muslims in our community feel safe in the face of such hateful words. We decided as families that we would eat dinner at a local Somali restaurant to show our support of the refugees in our community. 

We walked in and were greeted warmly by the owner and workers. As we spent the next couple of hours visiting and eating delicious, traditional Somali food, we felt connected to one another and to this community we share. 

Romans 12:18 reminds us to live at peace, as much as we can, with everyone around us. One question we should ask ourselves as we look around where we live is this: How can I be a person of peace in this place? We can set the example in our community of what it looks like to be people who love others well, regardless of our differences. 

Conversation Starter: How can you show kindness in your community? What current needs do you see that our family could help meet in some small way? Why do you think it’s important to show kindness in our own cities or towns?

Getting Started: Think of a way you can meet someone who is new to your city or fill a current need. Volunteering at a nearby homeless shelter, trying out a new restaurant, cleaning up a neighborhood park, or visiting a nursing home are all great ways to start making a difference locally. 

Verses:

Leviticus 19:33-34

Jeremiah 22:3 

Romans 12:17-18