“People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world: They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren’t determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they’re satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world.”
– Beth Clark
Here’s the lesson plan with the quoted scriptures added in:
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Lesson Plan: The Power of Small Acts of Kindness
Objective
To help participants understand the significance of every life and how small acts of kindness reflect God’s love, ultimately making a meaningful impact in the world.
Key Scripture References
1. Matthew 25:35-40 – Jesus’ teaching on caring for “the least of these.”
2. Luke 10:25-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan.
3. Galatians 6:9-10 – Encouragement to do good, especially to those in the family of faith.
4. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 – Paul’s teaching on how God uses small acts to grow His kingdom.
5. 1 John 3:17-18 – Loving others in action and truth.
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Lesson Outline
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
Start with the quote by Beth Clark to introduce the theme of small, impactful acts of kindness.
Discuss: “What are some ways we can make a difference, even if we feel we can’t change the whole world?”
Share the objective: to discover how simple, everyday acts of love and kindness align with God’s heart and can make an eternal impact.
2. Scripture Study and Reflection (30 minutes)
Matthew 25:35-40:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Explain how Jesus values acts of kindness shown to others, as if done to Himself. Ask participants to consider how this shapes their view of serving others.
Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan):
Read the story where Jesus says, “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him” (Luke 10:33-34).
Reflect on the Samaritan’s simple, compassionate act. He didn’t revolutionize society but impacted one life deeply. Discuss ways we can act compassionately, as the Samaritan did.
Galatians 6:9-10:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Highlight that doing good may sometimes seem small, but we are encouraged to continue, trusting that God sees and values each act.
1 Corinthians 3:6-9:
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
Paul explains that small efforts contribute to God’s bigger purpose. Remind participants that the outcome of our work is in God’s hands.
1 John 3:17-18:
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Discuss what it means to love not just with words but in action. Invite participants to consider how small actions in their own lives can reflect genuine love.
3. Group Discussion (15 minutes)
How do small acts of kindness reflect God’s love?
Share examples of small, kind actions that could make a difference (e.g., visiting someone in need, feeding the hungry, helping with homework).
Discuss why small acts may feel insignificant and how to find encouragement in Scripture to persevere.
4. Practical Application (20 minutes)
Challenge: Have each participant identify one small act of kindness they can commit to doing in the coming week. Encourage them to choose something specific and achievable, like helping a neighbor or writing an encouraging note.
Reflection: Encourage participants to journal or reflect on how these small acts make them feel and what impact they observe, emphasizing that God values each act.
5. Prayer and Commitment (5 minutes)
Close with a prayer, asking for God’s help to see every person as valuable and to seize opportunities for kindness.
Pray for courage to persevere in small acts of love, trusting that they are significant in God’s eyes.
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Optional Extension
Consider keeping a “Kindness Journal” as a group or individually, where participants can record acts of kindness they did or witnessed, and reflect on the cumulative impact over time. This can help them see the transformation that Beth Clark describes.
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This lesson plan now includes the scripture quotes to reinforce the Biblical foundation for making a difference through small, intentional acts of love and kindness.