This is Random Acts of Kindness Day.

A “random act of kindness” involves doing something nice and good for someone else, even a stranger, for no particular reason. Such kind acts catch them by surprise and brighten their day. An adult, for example, might pay for someone’s gas (big bucks) or another driver’s toll on the tollway (pocket change). The random action doesn’t have to be big and expensive; the thought is what counts. This can be really fun when the act is done in secret, and the person receiving the kindness never learns who did it.

Usually we worry more about ourselves than others, and we’re quick to point out when we have experienced something bad and “undeserved.” So when someone is especially kind, considerate, generous, and helpful to us, we feel good about ourselves and about life. Then we may even pass on the kindness to someone else.

This idea isn’t new—check out today’s verse. Christians are to be kind and imitate Christ.

Actually, this whole idea of a random act of kindness reflects the Golden Rule. Remember that verse? Jesus said, “Do for others as you would like them to do for you” (Luke 6:31).

So just consider how you would like to be treated, and then treat another person the same way. Who do you know who would appreciate a kind act? Maybe your mom, dad, brother, sister, neighbor, friend, classmate, or even a stranger. Be more like Christ as you pass on the kindness.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).

To Do

Do a random act of kindness today. If you wish, tell a friend or two about this day, and perform some kind act together. And make sure that your kind act is something the person doesn’t expect. Let it be a surprise.

Also on this day . . .

This is Championship Crab Races Day.

1876—Julius Wolff was credited with being the first to can sardines.

1934—The first high school automobile driver’s education course was introduced in State College, Pennsylvania.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.