One small gesture. One heartfelt prayer. One person reminded they are loved.
Some good news arrives with a big announcement. This story arrived with buckets of flowers.
According to PEOPLE’s October 11 report, nurse practitioner Sarah Skinner helped deliver 850 homegrown dahlias to patients at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, on October 8. What began with flowers from her own garden grew into an annual community effort called “Dahlia Day.”
Imagine being in a hospital room, wondering what tomorrow might bring, when someone walks in carrying flowers—for you.
The flowers may not change your diagnosis. But that moment might change how alone you feel.
That is the possibility tucked inside a little kindness: it can remind someone they haven’t been forgotten.
You don’t need a garden full of dahlias to offer that reminder. Which is encouraging news for those of us who have somehow managed to disappoint a cactus.
You can begin with what you have.
What Does the Bible Say About Kindness?
When we ask, “What does the Bible say about kindness?” we’re also asking, “How can I put my faith into action today?”
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32
Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves in Matthew 22:39. Kindness gives that love something practical to do.
It listens when someone needs to talk. It makes room for the person sitting alone. It offers help without making someone feel like a burden.
Sometimes kindness brings flowers. Sometimes it brings dinner. Sometimes it washes the dishes without announcing that a major humanitarian effort has taken place in the kitchen.
The gesture doesn’t have to be impressive to be meaningful.
Small Doesn’t Mean Unimportant
We can talk ourselves out of doing something thoughtful before we even begin.
Would a message really help? Would calling feel awkward? Is what I can offer enough?
You don’t need perfect words. Try these:
“You came to mind today. How are you—really?”
Then leave room for the answer.
You don’t have to fix someone’s entire situation to help them feel supported. You can listen, offer company, or ask what would make today a little easier.
And if you’re the one who needs encouragement, you’re allowed to receive it, too.
You don’t have to earn care by always being the person who gives it.
Let Kindness Become a Prayer—and Prayer Become Action
Think of someone who could use encouragement today.
Perhaps a friend waiting for news. A neighbor living alone. A family member who keeps saying, “I’m fine,” even though life has been unusually heavy.
Start with a prayer:
“Jesus, help them feel loved today. Show me one way I can help.”
Then consider a small step. Send the message. Make the call. Offer a meal. Ask whether they would welcome a visit.
Prayer and practical kindness can go hand in hand. We can bring someone’s needs before God and offer our time, attention, or help.
Join the NowAskJesus Prayer Marathon
Let’s help more people know they are being remembered in prayer. Join the NowAskJesus Prayer Marathon.
You don’t need polished words or hours of free time. Begin with one person and one sincere prayer.
Here’s how you can take part:
- Pray for someone today. Bring their worries, needs, and hopes before God.
- Visit the NowAskJesus Prayer Wall. Pray for someone who has shared a request, or share your own while respecting others’ privacy.
- Invite one other person to join you. A simple message is enough: “Will you take a moment to pray with me?”
- Follow your prayer with kindness. Check in, offer encouragement, or ask what help would be welcome.
This is a marathon of care, with room for each of us to participate at our own pace.
One person prays. Another reaches out. Someone who felt forgotten discovers that somebody cares.
That is something worth helping grow.
A Short Prayer
Jesus, help us notice the people who need encouragement today. Give us patience to listen, courage to reach out, and wisdom to offer help that is welcome. Bless those who are lonely, weary, or afraid. As we pray for one another, show us how to put Your love into action. Let our small acts of kindness bring comfort and hope. Amen.
Let It Begin With You
Before you move on, think of one name.
Who could use a prayer? Who would smile to hear from you? Who needs a reminder that they matter?
Pray for them. Reach out to them. Invite them to join the NowAskJesus Prayer Marathon.
And if the person who needs encouragement today is you, you can bring that to Jesus as well.
A little kindness can bloom beyond anything we get to see. Today, you can plant the first seed.
May God bless you—and may someone feel His love through your kindness today.
Your friends at NowAskJesus
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