Galatians 6:10 is a verse I revisit time and again in my spiritual studies:

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

I used to teach from this that we should make it a goal to improve someone’s day every day. I’ve changed my mind, though. I don’t think we should be making someone’s day better everyday. I think we should try to make everyone’s day better – well, at least everyone with whom we come in contact. There is not one person we run into who shouldn’t come away from the exchange feeling better about their day, whether that person be a close friend or a telemarketer.

• Did they mess up your order at dinner, or forget to refill your drink? Then you’re the most gracious person to correct an order all day.
• Did they mess up your name during a telemarketing call that interrupted dinner? Then you are still the most polite person they speak to that day.
• Did they tap your bumper at a stoplight? Then you deal with the issue with the most patience they’ve seen all day.
• Did their child run headlong into you while tearing around the grocery store? Then do the unexpected and avoid making a big deal out of it.
• Did the drive-thru operator stumble through speaking English? Then you patiently repeat yourself if need be (without raising your voice), or be complimentary of their efforts.

The world expects nastiness. They expect impatience. They expect callousness. They expect rudeness. They expect to be berated for every minor offense they happen to commit. We should not be that way. We should be the unexpectedly merciful, kind, patient, loving, and understanding. That loving attitude will separate us from the world and draw a distinction between us and everyone else. If we act like the world, what’s to motivate anyone to look to any of us for spiritual guidance or answers? It’s tough to make everyone’s day a little better, but it’s worth it.