Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness. – St. Teresa of Calcutta

This quote by one of my favorite saints has definitely inspired me as a person and a teacher. We are truly called to spread God’s love and kindness wherever we go every day of our lives. The best teacher of all time, Jesus, taught us the Great Commandment to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Choosing to be kind deepens our relationship with God and others as we put our faith into action.

A few years ago, several students and parents expressed interest in having a Kindness Initiative at our school. I volunteered to lead this endeavor and it has become a true passion of mine. Would you like to cultivate more kindness at your school, but don’t know where to start? I will share three inspirational themes to set you on your way.

Every theme includes a slogan, a Bible verse, and even a theme song. Music makes the movement a celebration. After all, spreading kindness is full of joy!

Having a new theme every year has provided a framework for planning and has kept the idea of spreading kindness fresh and interesting for my students. I’m very fortunate to have a talented graphic designer at my school in the marketing department who creates beautiful designs of the themes. Her designs are brought to life on banners and T-shirts for all to enjoy. I enjoyed creating the following logos on the canva.com website.

Theme: Shine With Kindness

Bible Verse: Matthew 5:16

Therefore let your light shine before others; that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father.

Song: Lights Shine Bright by Toby Mac

Theme: Thrive With Kindness

Bible Verse: Galatians 5:22-23

…the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…

Song: Thrive by Casting Crowns

Theme: Be Brave and Be Kind

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

Song: Love by We Are Messengers

This is my first article about my experience establishing a Christian kindness initiative at my school. I hope that you are as excited about instilling this important virtue in the lives of young people, as I am. Let us pray and embrace the love of the Holy Spirit as we seek to serve the Lord with kindness.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.

And kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.

And you will renew the face of the earth.