Make a cup of tea, prepare some toast, get dressed, listen to a song, eat some chocolate, send a text message, check social media… you can do a lot of things in five minutes, including making a difference!
When we read the Bible, we learn that one of our goals is to become more like Jesus, and to glorify Him with our actions. One aspect of this is that Jesus encourages his followers to help the people around them.
Do you struggle with feeling like you aren’t doing enough for others? Yep, that’s pretty much all of us!
Maybe you tell yourself that if you had a bit more time you could help more, but be encouraged – serving others can be really simple and as easily a part of our lives as the tasks listed above!
Here is a list of our favourite ways to make a difference to someone’s day in a practical way, in five minutes or less.
Look for opportunities to help
Pay for someone’s coffee, help with chores, give a hand with homework, offer to carry someone’s bags – the list is endless!
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” – Galatians 6:9
Speak intentionally
Give specific encouragement to those in your life; make a purposeful effort to do so! You could even set a reminder on your phone for the same time every day to text a different friend something encouraging.
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Pray for people regularly
We should desire that those around us grow in Christ and that the Holy Spirit moves in their life! We love the quote that says; ‘if all your prayers were answered, would it change the world or just yours?’
“One day, Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up” – Luke 18:1
Have a welcoming heart
Make people feel valuable, known and wanted when they spend time with you. This could be as simple as giving someone your full attention when they are with you rather than looking at your phone.
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And love your neighbour as yourself” – Luke 10:27
Practice Humility
Adopt an attitude of intentionally lifting up others and taking care of their needs; Every time you have a ‘what about me’ thought, think about someone else and how you can put your energy in to helping them. And if you find that you always end up speaking about yourself, why not have a few questions stored in your mind to make conversation more about other people. This alone could be enough to make someone feel really special and valued!
“Don’t be selfish, don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” – Philippians 2:3
There is a famous quote from Mother Theresa which says “Do small things with great love”.
So, next time you have five minutes remember there are many small things you can do that can reflect Jesus’ love and might just change someone’s life!
