There’s beauty in the power of generosity and doing random acts of kindness that may seem small, but that can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

Earlier this week I went to a soccer tournament and there were freestylers performing for everyone attending. I'm not sure how but I found myself talking with one of the performers and I briefly mentioned an interest I had in the past to learn the tricks they were putting on for the crowd. He asked for my contact info and offered to mentor me for free if it was something I really wanted to do.

During the tournament when we were both waiting for our next match he insisted we start our first class immediately. He taught me some new tricks and improved the ones I already knew in a short amount of time. At the end he gave me his soccer ball to continue training.

His gesture impacted me because to phrase it bluntly I had given up on that dream. I grew discouraged as I got older and overtime forgot about it.

This experience reminded me about the power of generosity and how a small gesture can not only change a person’s day, but also awaken things that have been sleeping inside their hearts for a long time.

As reflect during the holiday season, here are 5 random acts of kindness that can change someone’s world.

1. Be a good friend

To have life long friends, you have to be a life long friend. Call, text or DM someone you have been thinking about. Preferably someone you don't speak to often. It can be family, friends or a coworker. Ask them how they are doing and be intentional to take the extra time to listen.

It's never a coincidence when God places people on our minds to reach out to. After all, we are here to partner with him and bring people closer to his love and his kingdom. Don't underestimate the impact it has on someone's life when we take time to check in on them and genuinely see how they are doing.

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” - Proverbs 18:24 NKJV

Tip: Words are often times the most powerful form of generosity.

2. Ask someone for advice

The kind gesture here is encouraging others in their craft. Maybe you know someone who is great with finances, tech savvy, job hunting, prayer, or exercise. If your friend owns a business, consider asking them what it's like to be a business owner. Whatever their passion is, call them for some advice and be intentional by following up on their advice.

Tip: Everyone you meet knows something you don't. Don't pass up the opportunity to learn.

3. Give a small gift

Gifts is a common love language. Ask someone their favorite meal and cook it for them or maybe order takeout. You can even pay for a stranger’s coffee at a coffee shop or bring some cookies to your coworkers. Whatever you do, I promise you it can change their entire day.

Tip: Spending more doesn't make this any more special than it already is.

4. Pray for others

Make a list of people and situations to pray for. Place that list somewhere and set time apart to pray over everything you wrote. Don't worry about who knows, this one is between you and God. People knowing your act of kindness is not a requirement to do an act of kindness. God will judge our hearts more than our actions.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” - James 5:16 (NIV)

Tip: Every act of kindness begins with a grateful heart.

5. Make kindness your lifestyle

Take a new perspective of your daily life and be intentional in practicing random acts of kindness. There’s a lot of things you can do for someone, holding the door for them, doing them a favor, saying good morning, giving them a smile. You can even tell them about Jesus or pray for them. Let your words and actions show the love of Jesus to others.

“Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.” -  Ephesians 4:32 (NCV)

Tip: Don't underestimate the size of the seeds you could sow in someone's life.

Whatever you decide to do today, don’t forget the power of generosity and how it can transform people’s lives!

Check out Vous Generosity Stories and how we make kindness a lifestyle!