When it comes to reaching out to people in our community, we need to not only talk about it but demonstrate God’s unchanging love for all people. One way that we can do that is to serve people in practical ways and let people know that God loves them.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Doing ordinary acts of kindness is a practical way of doing that.

1. Start by asking God to sensitize your heart toward your neighbors and people. (to notice them, be aware of them).

2. Practice the “free attention giveaway.” Be unusually interested in someone. Focus on them and their story … or what’s going on with them. … little things … or simple things to say, do for them … don’t force … don’t preach … show interest … People naturally respond if genuinely, authentically interested in them.

People crave being noticed. Yet it’s the one thing most of us don’t get enough of.

3. Pray for people.

4. Get to know your neighbors by doing simple things for them. Dinner … cookies … holidays … simple service projects.

5. Practice being an active listener and learner of people.

6. Let people see and experience your heart not just your words. People won’t hear what you have to say until they kow that you genuinely care about them. Someone once said … “Let’s go out into our community and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people and use words only when necessary …” Actions need to precede words …

7. Be ready to get a little deeper spiritually with people – at the right time. Spiritual curiosity is at its peak in our culture. We just need to engage people. The gospel of Christ is good news for everyone because it gives us hope for life now, not just an afterlife (John 10:10).

Starting with doing small things like acts of kindness is way to just let people know that God loves them.