Listen thoughtfully when someone is talking to you—be understanding and empathetic. You don’t need to have an answer for everyone’s problems. People need family and friends to stand with them and hold them up when they have trouble walking on their own (Eccles. 4:10).

It feels like we are “really doing something” when we take on well-publicized social issues, as opposed to day-to-day tasks that never seem to change the world. Yet, Jesus said, “‘Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward’” (Matt. 10:42). Jesus also taught his disciples regarding their calling to love one another: “‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’” (Matt. 25:40). Here are 30 ways to love Christ in the everyday moments of life:

1. Be kind. Never hurt people emotionally, physically, or spiritually (1 Cor. 13:4–7; Eph. 4:32). If you do hurt someone, ask for forgiveness and make amends if possible (James 5:16).

2. Treat everyone respectfully (Rom. 12:10).

3. Be as generous as you can responsibly be. What this looks like for each Christian will vary depending on circumstances that often—and usually do—change throughout life (Luke 21:1–4; Acts 20:35).

4. Help friends and family who are overwhelmed with life due to a variety of reasons by doing their yard work or household chores or running an errand for them (James 2:14–17).

5. Share with people the hope you have in Christ. If they have questions, find good answers. Don’t ever be afraid of the truth—as Jesus stated, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32; 1 Pet. 3:15).

6. Work (Col. 3:23; 2 Thess. 3:10–12). Some Christians mistakenly think that work is part of the curse from the fall, but God gave humans work to do before Adam sinned (Gen. 2:15). God worked when he created the universe (Gen. 1). Humans are made in God’s image and bring him glory when they work honorably and responsibly.

7. Play—as long as your duties get done (Eccles. 3:13).

8. Rest (Mark 6:31). God made humans to need rest. Getting too little rest makes you grumpy, short-tempered, and a safety hazard to others as well as yourself. If you neglect resting sufficiently over a significant period of time, your health will suffer.

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