Moral Lessons

Published Nov 21, 2021

There’s a famous saying that goes: train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Indeed, a child’s formative years play a big role in how they behave as adults. At this age, they are like sponges. They absorb everything that adults around them do. The things you teach your child today will stay with them until their later years.

That’s why if you want your kid to grow up to be a kind and warm-hearted person, you need to teach them as early as now.

Here are 100+ acts of kindness you can teach your kids today:

1. Let someone get ahead in line.
2. Feed stray cats and dogs.
3. Hold the door open for someone.
4. Make your own bed.
5. Donate outgrown clothes.
6. Throw your trash in the proper garbage bin.
7. Say kind words to everyone.
8. Compliment a friend.
9. Say hello to people.
10. Make someone else’s bed.
11. Put change in a vending machine.
12. Volunteer in a local charity.
13. Return books to the library.
14. Clean up toys without being asked.
15. Send a postcard to a friend.
16. Take care of someone’s pet while they’re away.
17. Feed the birds.
18. Plant something.
19. Don’t waste food.
20. Recycle paper after drawing.
21. Take out the trash without being asked.
22. Return what you borrowed.
23. Help elderlies cross the street.
24. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
25. Share a toy with a friend.
26. Bring cookies to a sick neighbor.
27. Sit next to someone you normally don’t at the lunch table.
28. Share your food with a hungry kid.
29. Help around the house without being asked to.
30. Offer to help an elderly friend or neighbor.
31. Bring flowers to your teacher.
32. Tell your teacher when someone is being bullied.
33. Make a get-well card for someone.
34. Make a homemade gift for someone.
35. Don’t interrupt when someone else is speaking.
36. Visit a sick friend or relative.
37. Lend your books to your friends.
38. Offer your seat to a pregnant woman or the elderly.
39. Water a neighbor’s garden if they are away.
40. Check in on an elderly neighbor.
41. Donate your savings to charity.
42. Write thank-you notes to your parents and teachers.
43. Help a classmate who has a hard time with their classwork.
44. Clear up a mess you didn’t make.
45. Use your pocket money to buy food for your classmate who can’t afford lunch.
46. Share your paper and other school supplies with your classmates.
47. Donate your old school uniform to a schoolmate in need.
48. Offer to play with someone nobody wants to play with.
49. Pick up litter from the ground and put it in the trash bin.
50. Leave food and water outside for the birds.
51. Set up or clear up the dining table without being asked.
52. Lend someone your hat and gloves if you’re warm and they’re cold.
53. Put your shoes and coat in the right place after school rather than dumping them on the floor.
54. Make handwritten thank-you cards for all your birthday or Christmas presents.
55. Donate your cut hair to a charity that makes wigs for children with cancer.
56. Make sandwiches to take to your local soup kitchen.
57. Put grocery carts back.
58. Do chores for someone who needs a helping hand.
59. Take injured or abandoned animals to the vet or the shelter.
60. Make a care package for the homeless.
61. Write encouraging notes to kids with terminal illnesses.

Published Oct 24, 2021

For Christians, the Bible is one of the best sources of stories with moral lessons. So if you’re looking for stories about helping others, look no further than the Bible.

From the Old to the New Testament, the Bible abounds with stories about helping others, charity, and kindness. Here are some of them:

1. The Good Samaritan

When we talk about helping others, there’s no bible story more famous than the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

If you’re not familiar with the story, it’s about a Samaritan who helped a Jew who was beaten and left to die on the side of the road. A Jewish priest first passed by him followed by a Levite but both ignored the dying man. And then a third man passed by – a Samaritan. Taking pity on the man, the Samaritan bandaged up his wounds and took him to the nearest inn to recover. He even paid the innkeeper to take care of the Jew until he is fully recovered.

The most compelling part of this story is that, in Jesus’ time, Jews and Samaritans are sworn enemies. And it’s not just a simple family or tribal feud. We’re talking about a deep-rooted hatred that goes back generations. Because of this, they don’t talk to nor trust each other.

Yet, as the story tells us, among all the three people who passed by the dying man, only the Samaritan stopped and helped. He didn’t care that the dying man was a Jew. Instead, he only saw a fellow human being who was in great need of help.

This is what makes the Good Samaritan Parable one of the greatest Bible stories about helping others. It tells us that kindness has no race or borders. If someone is in need and we are in a position to extend help, we should. Someone’s belief, skin color, or religion shouldn’t matter because we all belong to the same race – the human race.

2. Moses and the Pharaoh’s Daughter

Most Christians are familiar with who Moses is and how he helped free the Israelites from slavery. Yet the story of how he, an Israelite, became the son of an Egyptian princess is often left untold.

Moses was born at a time when there was much fear among Egyptians that the Israelites might one day rise up against them. So the king of Egypt ordered that all baby boys born to a Hebrew (another name for Israelite) mother must be killed.

To save his life, Moses’ mother put him in a basket and allowed the basket to float down the Nile river. At that moment, one of Pharaoh’s daughters was taking a bath in the said river. When she saw the floating basket, she became curious and asked one of her servants to pluck it from the water.

Upon opening the basket, she saw that it was a Hebrew baby. Knowing full well the danger he was in, she took pity on Moses and decided to adopt him. And that’s how Moses grew up in the court of the Egyptian king.

Just like the parable of the good Samaritan, Moses’ adoption story proves that kindness transcends race. The Egyptian princess was well aware of her father’s orders. Yet she went against him and risked his wrath just to save the boy. She may not have known it at that time but her act of kindness eventually saved an entire nation.

3. Jonathan and David

What would you do if you learned that your father intends to kill your best friend? This was exactly the dilemma faced by Jonathan, son of the Israelite king Saul.

Saul was the reigning king of Israel when God instructed the prophet, Samuel, to anoint the successor He chose. So Samuel went and anointed David, a shepherd’s son from the town of Bethlehem. David went on to serve the king and even commanded an army. He and Saul seemed to get along well in the beginning.

At this time, Saul’s son, Jonathan, took a liking to David. The two became good friends and even made an oath to protect each other.

But when David killed the giant Goliath, the people started singing him praise. This triggered intense jealousy in Saul. He tried to kill David twice but failed. So he sent him to fight in battles hoping the enemies will do the job he failed to do. But instead of being killed, he won battle after battle.

When Saul heard about this, he became even more furious and ordered his men to kill David. When his son Jonathan heard about this, he warned David and he was able to escape. Then Jonathan convinced his father to spare David but his father’s wrath just intensified so he helped David escape back to his hometown.

Upon learning about what his son did, Saul exploded. He told Jonathan that he can never be king as long as David is alive. To which Jonathan replied, “why should he be put to death? what has he done?”. In his anger, Saul almost killed his son but Jonathan did not falter. He protected David even if it meant going against his father.

At first glance, Jonathan and David’s story might seem like a perfect example of a story about true friendship. But it also tells us that helping others requires great sacrifices. Imagine choosing between your father and the possibility of being a king, and your best friend’s life. But sometimes, you just have to do what your conscience tells you is right no matter what it may cost.

What does it really mean to be a good citizen? If you’ve been asking yourself this question, then you’re not alone. With everything that’s happening in our country (and the world) right now, the definition of being a good citizen tends to vary for every person. Most of the time, it’s based on their political views and their stand on certain issues.

But being a good citizen goes beyond the black and white of politics. It doesn’t matter which side of the political spectrum you’re on. What matters is how you make this country a better place to live in.

If you don’t know where to start, here are some suggestions on how to be a good citizen:

1. Be Patriotic

The dictionary defines patriotism as the love for or devotion to one’s country. This is why being patriotic is one of the most important qualities of a good citizen.

You see, when you love someone, you only want the best for them. The same thing applies when you love your country. You don’t want it to come to harm. Rather, you want it to improve and be the best that it can be. And if necessary, make sacrifices for it to achieve greatness.

2. Give Back to the Community

As citizens and human beings, we are morally obliged to look out for our brothers and sisters in need. It’s what makes us a society. So if you want to be a good citizen, give back to your community. Donate to charities and volunteer in non-profit organizations. Help the poor and the sick. Start a fundraising activity for a worthwhile cause. Whatever it is, as long as you make other people’s lives better, then you have already done your duty as a citizen of this country.

3. Be a Productive Member of Society

To be a productive member of society means actively contributing to its betterment. The operative term here is “productive” which is the same as “useful”. That’s why being one is essentially the basic requirement of being a good citizen. A productive member of society is someone who is of use to the society he/she belongs to. They are the ones who make a positive contribution to the country. In short, a good citizen.

4. Take Part in Social Issues

Admit it or not, most of us tend to take part in social issues only when it concerns us. But being a good citizen also means getting involved in issues plaguing the country – even if it doesn’t directly affect you. This doesn’t necessarily mean going out in the streets and taking part in rallies and demonstrations. Just being aware of those issues and educating others about them is a good start. Though actively doing your part to solve those issues would be much better.

5. Vote

Voting is one of the ways you can show your country that you care. Whether it’s your local school board or the national elections, your vote can make a change. It’s not just a right but a responsibility. Besides, there are so many people in the world right now who are robbed of the right to vote. Don’t waste that opportunity given to you.

6. Mentor Someone

Sharing your knowledge is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your country. If our ancestors didn’t share their knowledge, no civilization would flourish. So go ahead. Mentor someone. Ask your local school board for any after-school teaching opportunities. If you have a particular skill you want to share, you can also offer internship opportunities to the youth in your local community.

Published Aug 01, 2021

When you hear the word “kindness”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it about being nice to other people? Or is it doing good things whenever possible?

Truth is, there is more to kindness than being nice and doing right by others. In fact, there may not be a single word that can describe the true meaning of kindness.

The dictionary defines kindness as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Other synonyms of kindness are goodwill, warmth, tenderness, selflessness, and benevolence.

Yet none of those terms can truly convey the significance and complexity of the word.

What is Kindness?

According to Mark Twain, kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. He is trying to tell us that kindness is universal. It can traverse boundaries, race, and even disabilities.

But does this define kindness? In a way, yes. But it’s just one facet of being kind.  

Another inspirational figure who attempted to untangle the complex definition of kindness is the Dalai Lama. He said:

“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”

While American politician Frank A. Clark said that kindness makes a fellow feel good whether it’s being done to him or by him.

So what does this tell us?

This just demonstrates how wide and varied our interpretation of the word is. The meaning of kindness is relative to each individual and there is no one right definition of the word.

It comes in many forms and may not always be as simple as doing good things. What comes as “good” and “right” for someone may not necessarily be viewed as such by another. 

In theory, what counts as right and good is clear-cut. We are taught that doing good things constitutes kindness. But in reality, what’s “good” isn’t always obvious. There are instances when the boundaries between good and bad are muddled. And making a choice to be kind isn’t always easy.

But as Orly Wahba said:

“When you’re faced with a choice, choose to inspire, choose to empower, choose to stand for those who have lost the will to stand for themselves.”

Different people tend to look at kindness in different ways. But empathy, understanding, and compassion are universal. Accepting and helping everyone no matter who they are or where they came from is kindness in and of itself.

Kindness in the Bible

There are a lot of verses in the bible that define kindness.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he has this to say about kindness:

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

While in another letter to the Colossians, he wrote:

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12)

This means that being kind to others is your own way of following in God’s footsteps. It’s the ultimate expression of your love for God. It’s how we tell Him that we are choosing Him in as much as He chose us.

Proverbs 11:17 also tells us that a man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Indeed, kindness not only makes others happy. It uplifts your spirit too.

Just think of the last time you’ve done a random act of kindness. What did you feel? I’m sure you felt satisfied and elated. Not the self-serving kind of satisfaction, but a genuine feeling of happiness that only comes from helping others.

Published July 4, 2021

In Christianity, “virtue” is defined as the habitual and firm disposition to do the good. While traditional philosophy says that virtue is the “conformity of life and conduct with the principles of morality”. It allows people to perform good acts and give the best of themselves. It is embedded in our being and influences the way we act and react to things around us.

In short, our virtues are the good things we do that define us.

As Christians, our moral obligation is to cultivate and practice the virtues that we were taught as children. Not only that, but we need to pass it on to our children and grandchildren. We are their role models and they are our hope for a better world. If we can instill in them these virtues and train them up to be better Christians, then that is the greatest legacy we’ll ever leave.

Here are some of the Christian virtues that we need to teach the next generation.

1. Kindness

In an age where we can pick a fight with a stranger we haven’t even seen in person, kindness seems like an option more than a virtue. We tend to be kind only to those people we like and block those we hate. It’s become easier for us to criticize people for their faults without even acknowledging the good things they’ve done.

Is this really the kind of world we want the next generation to inherit?

In the bible, it says:

“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” (Proverbs 11:17)

Indeed, kindness begets kindness. If you want to be treated with kindness, then be kind to others. This is the lesson we need to impart to our children. Nothing ever good comes out of cruelty. Thus, in every waking moment, choose to be kind. No matter who that person is, where they’re from, or how they’ve treated you.

2. Love

When we hear the word “love”, we often think of the romantic kind. But love comes in all forms. It’s the binding force that keeps humanity alive and makes life worth living.

Unfortunately, it is also the most overused word. People throw it around so casually that it has lost its meaning. And that is what we need to teach the next generation: the true essence of love.

In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul describes love as:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hope, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Though this does not entirely capture the complexity of love, it’s a good start. We must teach them to love one another as we are all God’s children.

3. Honesty

In one of his songs, American singer Billy Joel lamented that “honesty” is such a lonely word. That’s because this virtue is so much lacking in the world today.

Even our movies and TV shows make us think that cheating is normal. Almost everyone has cheated someone at some point in one way or another so that it doesn’t shock us anymore. This is why random acts of honesty become headlines. It’s why we offer rewards to people who return things to their rightful owners. Admit it or not, being honest has become the exception rather than the norm.

This is why we need to teach our children the virtue of honesty. Let us teach them to value integrity over material possessions. Show them that true happiness comes from being able to sleep peacefully at night knowing that you did not take advantage of anyone.

Published May 30, 2021

Most of us want to make a difference – to not just live, but to live with a purpose. But making a difference usually entails sacrifices. Unfortunately, few are willing to give up the relative comfort of their safe zones for the sake of making the world a better place.

As we make our way into the world, we tend to become so wrapped up in all our concerns. We forget that others have their own struggles too. Or that we can do something to ease their sufferings, even if we are having a tough time ourselves.

Truth is, we can all make a difference. No matter how small or how insignificant your effort may seem, it can make an impact. Just like how a small drop of water can cause ripples, you too can effect change. Small actions like giving a sandwich to a homeless man or even just being there can make a world of difference for that person. Now, imagine if all of us will do that for each other.

If you’re still not convinced, these quotes about making a difference will change your mind:

1. In a gentle way, you can shake the world. – Mahatma Gandhi
2. The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better. – Robert F. Kennedy
3. We rise by lifting others. – Robert Ingersoll
4. Each of us can make a difference. Together we make change. – Barbara Mikulski
5. No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. – Martin Luther King Jr.
6. Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out, and help. This week reach to someone that might need a lift. – Pablo
7. Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room. – Christine Todd Whitman
8. If you can find ways to give people hope that they can achieve something or make a difference, then there’s an opportunity for something good to happen. – Jeffrey Skoll
9. No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.- Aesop
10. Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader, they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role, always about the goal. – Jeremy Bravo
11. Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good. – Minor Myers
12. Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. Make a difference for another today. – Amy Leigh Mercree
13. Even though the world is large, one person can still make a world of difference. – Frank Sonnenberg
14. You are never too insignificant to make a difference. – Gift Gugu Mona
15. We’re here to bring beauty to the world and make a difference in this planet. That’s what art forms are about. – Charlie Haden
16. The question is not whether you can make a difference in the world but what useful difference you can make! – Mehmet Murat Ildan
17. You may find that making a difference for others makes the biggest difference in you. – Brian Williams
18. Stand for something. Make your life mean something. Start where you are with what you have. You are enough. – Germany Kent
19. You do only live once, and I feel like if I’m able to make a difference on this planet and make it just a little better than I found it, then I’ve done my job. – Bindi Irwin
20. The best the world has to offer comes from the best you have to give to others. – Matshona Dhliwayo
21. When you are called for a great duty because you have been given a great ability, do your very best to leave great footprints no matter what! – Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
22. Love people who hate you. Pray for people who have wronged you. It won’t just change their life…it’ll change yours. – Mandy Hale
23. When you believe in what you’re doing and use your imagination and initiative, you can make a difference. – Samuel Dash
24. It is our job to make a difference and leave the world a better place. – Karol G.
25. Love is a great gift, cherish it, share it, and make this world a better place with the love you have to give. – Heather Wolf
26. Make a difference in someone’s life every day. It does make a difference. Everyone has the ability to make a difference. It doesn’t take much to give someone encouragement. The wheel always comes full circle, and whatever we give out will always return to us. The most meaningful acts are often the ones we commit without prompting or expectations. We have such profound power when we lend an ear, a hand, or an act of kindness. – Angie Karan
27. If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart. – Arabian Proverb
28. It is better to have a meaningful life and make a difference than to merely have a long life. – Bryant H. McGill
29. Whatever change you desire for the world, create that change in your own life. You are here for a purpose. Seek it out. Hunt it down. The greatest misery is to be purposeless. The great depression of our age is not economic, but spiritual. Our spiritual poverty is rooted in our purposelessness. – Matthew Kelly
30. We all owe everyone for everything that happens in our lives. But it’s not owing like a debt to one person- it’s really that we owe everyone for everything. Our whole lives can change in an instance- so each person who keeps that from happening, no matter how small a role they play, is also responsible for all of it. Just by giving friendship and love, you keep the people around you from giving up – and each expression of friendship or love may be the one that makes all the difference. – Will Schwalbe

Published March 25, 2021

Despite all the evils in this world, most of us, at the core, just want to be good human beings. We want to make the right choices and avoid making wrong decisions. What we usually don’t count on is that the question of what is right and wrong may yield different answers from different people.

You see, what is “good” for one person may not necessarily be for others. And what other people consider as “bad” might be different from yours. So how then can you know that you’re making the right choice? That’s where your moral compass comes into play.

What Exactly is a Moral Compass?

The dictionary defines moral compass as the person’s ability to judge what is right and wrong and act accordingly. Some people also define it as a set of values that guides our decision-making, affects our actions, and defines us as a person.

In essence, a moral compass is just as its name suggests. It points us in the right direction. Even if all of us have different definitions of right and wrong, our moral compass provides an objective standard. It doesn’t just help us see what is right and wrong. It also helps us see what must be done for the greater good even if it may not be beneficial for us.

Without our moral compass to guide us, it’s so easy to just do whatever is convenient for us – nevermind if it’s right or wrong. It becomes so easy to stretch the truth whenever it benefits us or do things without thinking of the consequences – both for us and for others. We become selfish, greedy monsters who only care about our own needs and wants.

Published February 18, 2021

Everyone has someone who looks up to them. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, brother, sister, boss, or even a friend, chances are there’s someone who considers you as their role model.

Though everyone can be a role model, not everyone can become a good role model. You see, a good role model is someone who others want to follow. They command respect and admiration because of how they conduct themselves and inspire others.

But being a role model also entails a huge responsibility. When someone looks up to you, it means you have a considerable amount of influence over them. They’ll hang on to your every word and tend to imitate your actions. So if you want them to become better human beings, make sure you set a good example.

Here are 10 ways you can be a good role model for others:

1. Be Confident But Not Arrogant

It’s good to be proud of your achievements but not to the point of arrogance. This can be a tricky one since there’s a very fine line between confidence and arrogance.

To help you gauge yourself, remember that confident people inspire others with their achievements. While arrogant people have to put other people down just to prove that they’re better than them. People tend to follow someone who inspires them, not those who make them feel bad about themselves. Besides, if you’re putting others down, how can you be a good role model for them?

2. Practice What You Preach

A real role model walks the talk. They don’t just tell people about what to do, they show them how to do it. They stand for what they believe in, no matter how hard it can be. Standing up to your beliefs lends you greater credibility and establishes you as someone with a strong moral fiber. Now, that is someone worth imitating.

3. Work Hard For Your Goals

Do you think a person who constantly slacks off makes a great role model? I don’t think so, too. You see, people respect hard work, especially if they see you beat all the odds and emerge successful. It inspires them to work hard for their goals too.

4. Be True to Yourself

Some of the most inspirational people in history are those who weren’t afraid to be themselves. They are the kind of people who didn’t care about societal norms. They were trailblazers who, rather than walking a well-trodden path, were brave enough to make a new path of their own.

Published February 4, 2021

You may not realize it but every moment of our day, we make a moral decision. From the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, your moral values are constantly put to the test. Even simple acts like making your bed or coming to work early involve a moral decision. That’s how moral values affect every facet of our lives.

Yet, the question of what moral values are seems to stop most of us in our tracks. If I am to ask you now what your moral values are, you’d probably think of honesty, respect, courage, and the like. But these traits are your values. And, as you will learn later, not all values can be considered moral values.

So what then are moral values? In this post, we’ll define moral values and how they motivate us.

Moral Values Definition

To define moral values, we first need to define the two words that made it up: values and morals.

In a philosophical context, values are traits that are considered desirable. As mentioned, this includes honesty, respect, and courage among others. But even though we tend to think of values as something good, it may not always be that way.

Courage, for example, in certain situations can come off as foolish bravado. While some people may view honesty as tactlessness. In short, values are relative. It can be good or bad depending on the situation and the person. But it’s also because of this that values tend to be more personal. Each of us has certain traits that we desire. They motivate our actions and reactions to people and circumstances.

Morals, on the other hand, are defined in the dictionary as a person’s standards of behavior depending on what they think is right or not. It governs our behavior and defines our intentions in everything that we do. It’s more than just what society thinks you should do. It’s that basic instinct of right and wrong common to all humans.