30 Ways to Love Christ in the Everyday Moments of Life
Image by Camile Garzon
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It feels like we are “really doing something” when we take on well-publicized social issues, as opposed to day-to-day tasks that never seem to change the world. Yet, Jesus says, “‘Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward’” (Matt. 10:42). Here are 30 ways to love Christ in the everyday moments of life:
1. Be kind. Never hurt people emotionally, physically, or spiritually (1 Cor. 13:4–7; Eph. 4:32). If you do hurt someone, ask for forgiveness and make amends if possible (James 5:16).
2. Treat everyone respectfully (Rom. 12:10).
3. Be as generous as you can responsibly be. What this looks like for each Christian will vary depending on circumstances that often—and usually do—change throughout life (Luke 21:1–4; Acts 20:35).
4. Help friends and family who are overwhelmed with life due to a variety of reasons by doing their yard work or household chores, or running an errand for them (James 2:14–17).
5. Share with people the hope you have in Christ. If they have questions, find good answers. Don’t ever be afraid of the truth—as Jesus stated, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32; 1 Pet. 3:15).
6. Work (Col. 3:23; 2 Thess. 3:10–12). Some Christians mistakenly think that work is part of the curse from the fall, but God gave humans work to do before Adam sinned (Gen. 2:15). God worked when he created the universe (Gen. 1). Humans are made in God’s image and bring him glory when they work honorably and responsibly.
7. Play—as long as your duties get done (Eccles. 3:13).
8. Rest (Mark 6:31). God made humans to need rest. Getting too little rest makes you grumpy, short-tempered, and a safety hazard to others as well as yourself. If you neglect resting sufficiently over a significant period of time, your health will suffer. Due to circumstances beyond their control, people can’t always rest as much as they need to do, but they should try the best they can to get enough sleep.
8. Listen thoughtfully when someone is talking to you—be understanding and empathetic. You don’t need to have an answer for everyone’s problems. People need family and friends to stand with them and hold them up when they have trouble walking on their own (Eccles. 4:10).
10. Think of others before yourself (1 Cor. 13:4). No one likes to be around a selfish, arrogant person (Luke 14:7–11; Phil. 2:3–4).
11. Forgive people who hurt you, but be sure to protect yourself and others from future harm (Matt. 6:12). Trust is not a right—it must be earned.
12. During any social time before or after church, introduce yourself to people you haven't met and get to know them. Make an extra effort if they are by themselves (Heb. 13:2).
13. Laugh—a lot if you can! (Job 8:21). Yet, never do so at anyone’s expense.
14. Send a friend a text to say hi or to remember a birthday or special anniversary (1 Cor. 16:14).
15. Invite someone over for a simple dinner or to do something fun together (Heb. 13:1–2).
16. When you can’t find the right words to say to people who are hurting, don’t say anything. Give them a hug or do something helpful for them (Gal. 5:13–14; 1 Pet. 4:10).
17. Be courageous (2 Tim. 1:7). You can always take heart, because Jesus has "overcome the world" (John 16:33).
18. Go on a walk or do some other form of exercise—by yourself or with a group—and smile at people you see along the way (Luke 6:31; Eph. 4:32).
19. Meet up for coffee with someone who is struggling in some way (Gal. 6:2).
20. Thank God for his creation. Spend time outdoors and gaze in awe at all God has made: humans, animals, and the natural world (Ps. 19:1).
21. Thank God for the vast variety of art people create (Exod. 35:35). Enjoy paintings, dancing, music, architecture, crafts. Make your own art for you and others to enjoy (Phil. 4:8).
22. Tell your family members you love them at the beginning and end of each day—and in between! (Eph. 2:18; 1 John 4:19).
23. If you see a good sale on groceries, buy extra and drop off a bag of food at the door of a friend who is struggling financially (Luke 6:34; 1 John 3:17).
24. If you see people perform an act of kindness, praise them (1 Thess. 5:11).
25. Never criticize anyone publicly if it can be avoided without someone or something being harmed. Think of how you would want to be treated in a public situation, and treat others likewise (Luke 6:31).
26. If you are invited to a God-honoring event, go and enjoy it (John 2:1–2).
27. Give someone a compliment (1 Thess. 5:11).
28. If you know someone who is suffering from abuse, illness, or calamity, do what you can to help, and find someone who can help in ways you can’t (Prov. 17:17). Don’t be like the people Jesus described who passed by the victim of a robbery and looked the other way (Luke 10:25–37).
29. Be a mentor in a small or big way—help someone succeed in a worthy endeavor (1 Pet. 5:1–5; Tit. 2:3–5).
30. Be happy for people when good things happen in their lives (Rom. 12:15).
This article was originally published on November 13, 2017.