So what is the 30-Day
Kindness Challenge?
The original 30-Day Kindness Challenge (30DKC), created by social researcher Shaunti Feldhahn, is an empirically-tested method of improving any relationship. Among those who do three simple things daily for thirty days, 89% of relationships improved – largely because of one dramatic, eye-opening recognition among most participants: Oh wow, I had no idea I was being unkind every day. The 30DKC primarily works not because it changes the tone and temperature of our relationship (although that is a part of it), but because it changes us.
This makes it an essential tool for today’s politically toxic culture, in which each of us needs a bootcamp to “see” the ways we are contributing to the problem and become part of the solution instead. For people of faith, this is a particularly important moment for the church.
How does the Special Edition of the 30-Day Kindness Challenge work?
For those you disagree with, politically, do these three things every day for thirty days:
1. Say nothing personally negative, in word or tone, about anyone you disagree with–either to them or about them to someone else.
Stating disagreement is fine. Derisiveness—in public or private—is not.
2. Every day, find one positive thing that you can sincerely praise or affirm about someone you disagree with, and tell them, and tell someone else.
See the very real positives in the other, even if you strongly disagree with their beliefs. Your neighbor may have yard signs for the opposing candidate, but you can notice and comment (to them and someone else) that they are such a patient parent, or so kind to your kids.
3. Every day, do a small act of kindness or generosity for someone you disagree with.
Serve someone in kindness—whether that means sincerely listening for an extra 10 minutes to the views of your difficult family member, or bringing coffee to your outspoken coworker
