Changing the World, One Small Act at a Time

As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” In today’s world, where good deeds are hard to come by, doing your best to serve others has become the exception rather than the norm.

Humility has lately become a distant quality in many people’s lives. Love for others and selflessness have likewise become unfamiliar in the modern world. Despite this, we should strive to value others over ourselves by ensuring that our sacrifices for others emanate from our love for God and, by extension, our love for humanity.

Yes, we go through difficult times, but that doesn’t mean we can’t hold others’ hands and make their worlds brighter.  You may not be well-off, but you can offer assistance in many other ways. Every gesture, however small, can make a difference.

Here’s how to extend a helping hand in your little way:

1. Offer Your Time

Time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give someone. Being there for someone at their lowest moments means a lot, whether it’s a friend, family member, neighbor, or stranger. It lets them know that someone cares and that they are not alone.

You can also offer your time by giving back to the community. You can volunteer at a children’s hospital, help out in your church, participate in town cleanups, or even teach life skills and other subjects at a community center.

2. Donate What You Do Not Use

Rather than letting extra clothes and shoes gather dust in your closet, consider donating what you don’t need to a homeless shelter.

3. Be Kind

No matter what others say or do, be kind. Everyone is fighting their battles, so the least you can do is be kind to them.

Instead of pointing fingers, help them learn from their mistakes. Choose love over hate and compassion over judgment. At every single moment, choose kindness.

4. Smile

A smile may cost you nothing but may mean everything to someone else. It can heal a heart, brighten someone’s day, and even bring good cheer to those who need it most.

5. Say Thank You

Like a smile, a simple thank you can make a huge difference in someone’s day. Be appreciative of others’ efforts to make a better world for you and me. At every step of your way, be thankful.

6. Listen to Others

Sometimes, people need to be listened to without judgment or negative stereotypes. Help people by listening to the pain that cuts across their hearts. Carefully listen without interruption, be objective, and keep an open mind.

Let them express their frustrations, heartaches, and troubles. This will not only make them feel better but might also teach you some valuable life lessons.

In Luke 16:10, the Bible says:

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Serve humanity with whatever little you have for the glory of God and you shall definitely be entrusted with much more.”

Luke 16:10

Likewise, Mother Teresa said:

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” 

Mother Theresa

Do your small part graciously, and together with mine, we can make the world a better place.