PAY IT FORWARD!

by Janice R Newman

Paying it forward is the idea and process of helping another individual with a show of sincere kindness either with a gesture of opening a door, providing advice, passing on a coupon or tip, or treating someone else to something. The thought behind this is not only helping someone else but the possibility of the recipient also demonstrating kindness to someone else, thereby continuing the kindness to the next person. The concept encourages people to reciprocate kindness and generosity to others, which creates a chain reaction of positive actions.

The idea behind “pay it forward” aligns with Jesus’ teachings. Jesus emphasized the importance of loving one’s neighbor, showing compassion, and serving others selflessly. He taught his disciples to be generous and to help those in need without expecting anything in return. Jesus taught in Mark 12:31 “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (NIV).

The Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 tells a story of a man that was left on the side of the road and in need of help. Leaders walked by and did not offer help, despite them being capable. A Samaritan passed by and chose to help the man, despite their differences in culture. The Samaritan paid for his lodging, medical care, and promised to pay any other expenses. Jesus used this parable to teach us on showing mercy and love to others, regardless of differences.

Were also taught as people to help the less fortunate, extend a helping hand to others in need, and show acts of kindness and service to others. One small act of paying it forward spirals into other people potentially being directly helped because of the original act of kindness. Simple acts of kindness can go a long way. There are numerous ways to “pay it forward” such as:

• Random acts of kindness: Performing small acts of kindness for strangers, such as holding the door open, giving compliments, or sharing a coupon. I shared a simple coupon and savings tip with the customer behind me, which allowed her to save also.

• Volunteer your time and share expertise: Local churches, charities, community organizations, and elderly neighbors need your time and skills to assist with community events, tutoring, mentoring, and bringing meals. If you notice trash on the lawn after garbage pickup, clean up your lawn and your neighbors.

• Support local businesses: Choose to support local businesses, small or family-run such as in The Shopper. By shopping locally or recommending them to others, you can help them thrive. Making a nice comment on social.

• Pay for someone’s meal or coffee: Surprise a stranger by paying for their meal or coffee when you’re at a restaurant. This small act of paying for a coffee can brighten their day and inspire them to pay it forward. Just them sharing their experience of having someone buy their coffee can inspire someone else to ‘pay it forward’. A young man’s credit card was rejected in front of his date at a sporting event. My husband overheard and paid it forward.

‘Paying it forward’ is showing kindness to others even through a simple small act such as holding a door open, paying for a coffee, or giving sound advice to someone in need versus turning away to avoid a need for help or giving a kind act for others as you would like for yourself. One act of kindness that you give today could perhaps affect numerous others, and possibly come back to you in a ‘paying it forward’. Y? Why Not!

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