The world believes what you give to the world will return to you tenfold, which is true, especially kindness. Random acts of kindness can promote compassion, improve health, and enhance relationships. Kindness is like a muscle that should be exercised daily, regardless of the size of the act.
When you are kind, your brain releases happy hormones oxytocin and dopamine, improving mood, decreasing stress, and lowering blood pressure. Kindness can even aid in treating depression and anxiety. Lutheran refugee services have touched the lives of many refugees for over eight decades and have changed many lives.
How to do Love and Kindness Conquer the Refugee Hearts?
Let them Feel Safe
Providing a sense of security and comfort to refugees around you is crucial. Remember, they abandoned their homes and belongings to escape danger. They have endured a significant amount of emotional turmoil, and they need to feel loved. It is your responsibility to make them feel at ease and accepted.
Show Hospitality
It is important to listen to the experiences and stories of immigrants actively. Learning and engaging with their names can create a sense of connection and acceptance. Initiating them in conversations about their lives, families, and aspirations demonstrates a genuine interest and concern for their well-being. Most immigrants may be eager to share their life stories if allowed.
Take this Opportunity to Tell them About Jesus
As we establish friendships with refugees and engage in conversations, we may have opportunities to share the gospel with them. Praying for these moments and showing them our care and concern through prayer is important. As Christians, we long for eternal life with God and desire for our refugee neighbors to experience this. We should be willing to open our homes and lives to them, inviting them to find their home with God through the gospel.
Show Compassion in a Tangible Way
In order to demonstrate your compassion and love for refugees, it is important to take tangible actions that meet their practical needs. Hospitality involves being generous with our time, resources, and gifts. For example, two nurses may carry out a free basic health clinic. The specific ways we practice hospitality will vary depending on our contexts. Still, you can pray for opportunities and ask God to give us creative ideas to meet the needs of refugees in our communities.
Respect Them
It is crucial to treat refugees with respect as you develop friendships with them, even when we encounter cultural or religious practices that may be unfamiliar or that we may disagree with. You can demonstrate dignity and love towards them while still acknowledging our differences. It is ok to ask questions to understand the reasons behind their practices so that you can appreciate their perspectives and experiences.
Can you help Refugees?
There are various ways you can help refugees to have better life.
Donate to Refugee Organization
Many reputable organizations support refugees. They provide aid and accept donations. Examples of refugee organizations are the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Vision, and International Rescue Committee.
You can either donate online or in their offices. So look for a genuine organization and make your donations.
Volunteer with Organizations that Serve Refugees
Many organizations rely on volunteers to provide refugee services, such as teaching English, providing transportation, or helping with resettlement. They may have specific volunteer opportunities available or be able to direct you to other organizations in need of volunteers.
Some examples of volunteer opportunities might include teaching English, providing transportation, or helping with resettlement tasks.
Once you’ve chosen a volunteer opportunity, commit to it and follow through on your commitments. Regular and consistent volunteering can help build trust and relationships with refugees.
Advocate for Refugee Rights
Speak out and raise awareness about refugees’ challenges. Write to your elected officials or participate in advocacy campaigns to support refugee rights.
Conclusion
Lutheran refugee services have been Seizing every opportunity to show kindness to others is important because it positively affects their lives and ultimately changes the world. You are making a meaningful difference by helping individuals through acts of kindness. There is immense satisfaction in being a source of hope for someone who may only need a minor act of kindness. Strive to improve the world by spreading kindness and bringing about positive change.