Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ
I want you to imagine a world where kindness is not just an occasional act but a committed way of life that transforms communities. The 2000 film Pay It Forward presents this idea through a young boy’s simple yet powerful plan: If each person does a good deed for three others, expecting nothing in return but for them to do the same, the world would change for the better. This concept mirrors the idea of a covenant, an intentional promise of care and responsibility toward one another.
Throughout history, people have formed covenant agreements built on trust, love, and commitment. In my faith tradition, the Bible speaks of covenants as sacred promises that shape relationships. Some of these covenants reflect divine promises of hope and renewal, while others call people to live with justice, mercy, and love. However, whether spiritual or simply human, covenants remind us that our lives are deeply connected.
Jesus lived this reality. He not only taught about love but embodied it, offering kindness to the forgotten, mercy to the broken, and hope to the hopeless. His life was the ultimate example of paying it forward, not just through acts of kindness, but through sacrificial love that continues to transform the world. His invitation remains open to all: Love your neighbor, give without expecting in return, and trust that even the smallest acts of goodness matter.
March is a season of transition, a time when winter gives way to spring and new life begins to emerge. It is also a time for reflection. What kind of world are we building? Are we only looking out for ourselves, or are we choosing to invest in others? Paying it forward offers a simple yet profound answer: Rather than waiting for kindness to come our way, we can take the first step and be the ones who start the ripple.
In an age where division and isolation are common, small acts of generosity can make a real difference. A kind word, a helping hand, or even a simple smile, can shift someone’s day in ways we may never see. Whether you draw inspiration from faith, personal values, or just a belief in the goodness of people, the principle remains the same. When we give without expectation, we create a kindness culture that expands beyond our reach.
Like the boy in Pay It Forward, we may never fully know the impact of our actions. But when we live with an open heart, choosing generosity over indifference, we help create a world that reflects the best of what humanity can be. This March, let’s recommit to kindness not as a one-time gesture but as a way of life that makes the world a little brighter for us all.