Have you ever done something small without thinking much about it, only to realize later it mattered far more than you knew?
The other day, I went to the grocery store like I always do. Nothing special. Just another errand on another day. On the drive home, I noticed a van stuck in the snow on a hill on the opposite side of the road. I remember smiling to myself because my first thought was, That could easily be me. And without giving myself time to talk myself out of it, I turned around and headed their way.
I pulled over, got out of my truck, and walked up to the guy standing outside the van. I didn’t introduce myself or make it complicated. I just said, “I’m going to help you get out of here.” He thanked me right away, but it didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t going to be easy. The hill was packed with ice, and every attempt to push felt pointless. I remember thinking, This is going to take a miracle. So I prayed. Right there. I asked God for strength… superhuman strength, because that’s honestly what it felt like we needed.
Fifteen minutes in, we were both tired, and it didn't look like the van was going anywhere. I could see the discouragement on his face, and without thinking too much about it, I turned to him and said, “I’m not leaving until we get the two you out of here.” He thanked me again, and we tried a different approach. Still nothing. No leverage. Just spinning tires and cold hands.
And that’s when the second question showed up… What made me stay? Because staying is different than stopping.
So once again, I prayed. Minutes later another person stopped to help. This time, as we pushed and the tires spun in place, I told the driver to turn the wheel slightly to the left. And together, four people who didn’t know each other watched that van finally move. Just enough. Enough to get free.
After one last thank you from him, I got back in my truck and drove home, thanking God, not because I did something impressive, but because He allowed me to be part of something that mattered to someone else.
I share this story because sometimes it only takes one simple act of kindness to change everything. I wasn’t looking for anything in return. I didn’t need recognition. I was just grateful that God chose to use me in that moment. Kindness doesn’t cost a thing, but it can mean everything to someone else.
Scripture tells us, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”(Micah 6:8). Mercy and humility don’t shout. They just show up.
Jesus noticed the people everyone else walked past. He touched the ones others avoided. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, restored the broken, and spoke gently to those worn down by life. His kindness wasn’t conditional, and it certainly wasn’t earned. It flowed straight from love.
In Luke 6:35, Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do good to them… Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” That kind of kindness doesn’t make sense by human standards, but it changes hearts in ways nothing else can.
Here’s the part we sometimes miss: God still works that way. He still sends people into our lives to show us His goodness. And sometimes, He sends us into someone else’s life for the very same reason. You may never know what someone is going through when you cross paths with them. That person stuck on the hill. The cashier having a rough day. The neighbor who seems distant. Your kindness might be the reminder they need that God hasn’t forgotten them.
Paul reminds us of this when he writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Kindness isn’t extra credit in the Christian life. It’s evidence of a heart that’s been touched by grace.
And no, kindness won’t always be noticed. It won’t always be thanked. Sometimes you’ll be the only one who knows you stopped, helped and stayed.
But God sees it. Every time.
That’s often how God shows His goodness, through ordinary people who are willing to stop and help. Kindness can change the direction of someone’s day… sometimes far more than a day.
So pay attention this week. Not to everything… just to the people right in front of you. Ask God to help you notice where kindness is needed and give you the courage to respond.
Pray with me.
Father God,
Thank You for Your kindness that meets me exactly where I am. Thank You for loving me first and showing me what grace looks like through Jesus. Help me to slow down and to be a willing vessel of Your goodness. Use my words, my actions, and my presence to reflect You. Let my kindness point people back to You and bring You all the glory.
