My List of Top 42 Ways to Show the Love of Christ to a Stranger

Our last list for today comes from my friend Tricia. Tricia is one of the most delightful people you will ever meet and one of the most willing servants you will ever witness. And her request for a “Top 42” list is no surprise – given her desire to love others. Tricia asked for 42 ways to show the love of Christ is a stranger. Again, there is no particular order to these suggestions.

1.Buy them a meal or drink in the drive-thru lane.

2.Offer to help with yardwork that might need to be done.

3.Take a meal to them if you know they are struggling with something.

4.Let them know if you see a repair that needs to be addressed with their car (e.g., taillight out).

5.Pray for them.

6.Greet them with a smile.

7.Volunteer hours at a local pregnancy clinic.

8.Tell them a joke or try to make them laugh.

9.Introduce yourself and tell them you are honored to meet them.

10.Learn their name.

11.Offer to help the mom in the checkout line who is trying to pay for groceries and deal with unruly children.

12.Offer to hold the crying baby on the airplane.

13.Have a thoughtful response prepared for when you are asked, “How are you today?”

14.Tip more than you think you should.

15.Open the door for others.

16.Serve at a homeless shelter.

17.Show genuine interest in them.

18.If you are tempted to complain to a stranger, don’t.

19.Use the words “please” and “thank you.”

20.Make eye contact.

21.Offer to let others “cut in front of you” in a long line.

22.Complement them.

23.Take the church visitor out to lunch.

24.Invite them to your home (or church).

25.Park your car further away than you’d like in a busy parking lot.

26.Grab a shopping cart for someone waiting behind you.

27.Donate blood or plasma.

28.Put your cell phone down and say something.

29.Bake cookies for your new neighbor.

30.Donate food to a local food bank.

31.If they are a different nationality than you, ask the about their heritage.

32.Write a note to a local business that you appreciate.

33.Hold your tongue if that person upset or frustrated you.

34.When leaving their presence, thank them for allow you to be with them or speak to them.

35.If you notice a personal item, ask them about it.

36.Ask an open-ended question.

37.Respect their space if they are uncomfortable with you around.

38.Invite them to a pre-planned activity.

39.Let someone use your towing miles if they are stranded and need a ride.

40.Host a BBQ in your front yard and offer to feed anyone that wants to come.

41.Invite a foreign exchange student into your home.

42.Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.