When we look around us, it is not hard to find evidence of the brokenness of the world. Far afield, there is war in Ukraine, natural disasters, the trafficking of children, and the ever-present blight of poverty and famine. At home, our union feels frayed as discourse becomes more caustic and hostile and hateful words lead to violent actions. Marriages are strained, the mental health of our children is in decline, drugs continue to claim more and more lives, and there is no solidarity around a common vision of what a good life is. It is overwhelming at times and we feel lost about what to do.

In the midst of these tumultuous times, what the world needs from Christians is not only grand solutions and efforts. What it also needs and what we are more able to give are the small kindnesses and acts of love and compassion on the personal scale. Tish Harrison Warren, in one of her recent New York Times pieces (behind paywall), put it this way:

There is much that needs mending. There are signs that our society is unwell, with polarization and anger sizzling under the surface of our discourse. The problems of the world feel big and overwhelming. And we can look to big things to rescue us: national elections, a revolution, widespread revival, the apocalypse. Of course, big things matter. Voting and federal policies are important. Yet most of us, in our limited spheres, must learn to embrace small practices of repair. These practices, though small, are profoundly significant. They are the tiny threads that weave a society where, as Dorothy Day said, it is easier for people to be good.

She then goes on and lists 11 small, ordinary ways to practice resurrection and repair.  I offer them here for your prayerful consideration.

1. Have more in-person conversations
2. Get outside
3. Eschew mobs - online and in real life
4. Read books
5. Give money away
6. Invest in institutions more than personal brands
7. Invest in children
8. Observe the Sabbath
9. Make a steel man of others’ arguments
10. Practice patience
11. Pray

Saints, in what small but profound ways can you show the love of Christ by loving those around you and seeking their good? This is the way to win the world.