How to Make a Difference in the World Today

It’s scary out there. When headlines seem to shout nothing but war, natural disasters, poverty (the list goes on), the world often feels hopeless. But in John 16:33, Jesus says that although we’ll have trouble, he has overcome the world. Through him, we can do our part to be the light, making the world a better place for those around us!

Wondering how to make a difference in the world? Here, we give you a list of simple ways to do just that. We also dive into what the Bible says about making a difference.

What’s Here:

• What Does the Bible Say About Making a Difference?
• How to Make a Difference in the World: 6 Ways
• These Kids From Ecuador Are Making the World a Better Place

What Does the Bible Say About Making a Difference?

As followers of Jesus, it’s true that this world is not our home (John 15:19). While earth’s struggles and sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). One day, we’ll be with Jesus for eternity, and all the hard times here will pass away.

However, we’re not meant to just let the world do its thing. Instead, we’re meant to be light bearers, pointing people to Jesus while we’re here. That’s what it means to make a true difference in the world.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16, NIV

How can we be the light? The Bible gives us many ways:

• Care for those in poverty (Psalm 82:3).
• Show generosity to those in need (Proverbs 22:9).
• Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9).
• Share the good news of Jesus (Mark 16:15).

And that’s just scratching the surface. When each of us does our part to be the light, we’ll brighten even the darkest of circumstances with the hope of Jesus. And that can change the world.

How to Make a Difference in the World: 6 Ways

What does it mean practically to be the light? There are many simple things you can do today to make a difference.

1. Share the Gospel

We live in a world broken by sin. Because of that brokenness, bad things happen that cause suffering and hardship. Brokenness hurts. In turn, many people respond to the pain of the world around them by making decisions that hurt others.

It’s a cycle that leads to broken relationships, pain, death and trauma, among other consequences. But there’s hope found in the gospel.

When people grasp the love of Jesus and decide to follow him, they begin to live differently. It changes their choices. Instead of continuing to act like the world, they can be transformed (Romans 12:2). And instead of living in and reacting to brokenness, they allow Jesus to make them whole, changing their lives and the lives of others.

What does all this mean? There’s only one way to truly change the world, and it’s sharing Jesus with those around you.

Luckily, there are many ways to share the gospel. Share your testimony of what God has done in your life. Post a favorite Bible verse on social media. Perform a random act of kindness for someone today.

Remember, when you share the gospel with one person, it can create a ripple effect that touches the lives of many.

2. Pray for Others

James 5:16 tells us that we should pray for each other. Why? Because our prayers are powerful and effective. When we pray, God hears us (Jeremiah 29:12), and we can trust that he’s working on behalf of those we pray for. In other words, praying for others can make a huge difference in their lives.

There are many ways to pray for others. For example, take some time to pray for your friends and family members today. Or say a quick prayer over a stranger you see while at the grocery store. You can also partner with us to pray for little ones living in poverty.

Related Read: What to Pray For: 7 Powerful Prayers for Day-to-Day Life

3. Donate to a Cause

Around the world, people are living in need. And while there are organizations like Compassion International working hard to care for them, they need your help too. By donating some of your resources, you can help provide for those in need.

Take some time to consider a cause that’s on your heart. Maybe you’re a nurse who wants to help children get nutritious food that helps them grow. Or maybe you’re a mom who wants to ensure babies living in poverty have a chance to thrive.

Next, do a quick search to find organizations working to meet that need. Donating financially or even signing up to volunteer can help them reach more people, changing lives through your efforts.

Compassion offers a wide range of causes you can donate to. Check out our Ways to Donate to find the perfect one for you.

4. Show Kindness

Jesus was a prime example of kindness. He healed the sick, despite them being unable to do anything for him. He forgave his enemies, even while hanging on the cross they placed him on (Luke 23:34). And he sacrificed his life for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

And guess what? Through his kindness, lives were changed! People were healed, set free and delivered. And that’s still happening today. We too can change lives by simply being kind to others, even those who hurt us. How can we show kindness? Endless ways!

• Tell someone about Jesus.
• Send someone flowers.
• Forgive someone who said a bad thing about you.
• Leave an encouraging note for a co-worker.
• Give the car behind you that parking space close to the front.
• Share a hug with someone struggling.
• Drop off groceries to your neighbor.
• Invite someone over for dinner.

5. Volunteer

Another simple way to make a difference in the world is by volunteering your time to serve. Many organizations need people like you to help them love and care for others. There are also people in your community in need of your time.

For example, sign up to volunteer for a local charity or soup kitchen. Or offer to drive your elderly neighbor to their next doctor’s appointment.

Did you know that you can also volunteer with Compassion? Check out our volunteer opportunities and partner with us to help children living in poverty around the world.

6. Sponsor a Child in Need

Around 333 million children around the world live in extreme poverty. This means they must survive on less than $2.15 per day. Sadly, this isn’t enough to provide for their needs, and they struggle to get nutritious food, medical care and other basics.

Little ones living in poverty are often hungry, sick and homeless. Some are in danger of exploitation and abuse. Others may lack the ability to attend school. These devastating challenges make children feel utterly hopeless, unable to see a brighter future beyond poverty.

This is where you come in. By sponsoring a child, you’ll equip a local church in a child’s community to provide them with the essentials they need to thrive, from nutrition to medical care. The child will hear the gospel and see it in action through pastors, nurses, volunteers and others who know, love and protect them.

That’s not all. When you touch one life, you’re touching many. In a recent survey of 99 Compassion alumni from the Dominican Republic, 90% reported serving in their community, with 73% doing so at least weekly.

When you sponsor a child, you give them the tools they need to escape poverty and become changemakers who help others do the same. Now that’s changing the world, one child at a time.

These Kids From Ecuador Are Making the World a Better Place

While making a difference in the world can seem like a big undertaking, you might be surprised at just how simple it can be. In a small community in Ecuador, a group of children decided to clean up the trash in their neighborhood. But what looked like a simple act is sparking a movement of change.

One small coastal community near Guayaquil, Ecuador, is no stranger to environmental neglect. The beaches, once pristine, are littered with plastic. And its streets overflow with discarded bottles and other trash.

But one group of children at a local Compassion center refuse to see their town littered any longer. Through their initiative, Manos Verdes (Green Hands), they’re taking trash off the streets and turning it into vibrant works of art, such as toys, handmade souvenirs and decorations.

“In church, I learned that God asks us to be good stewards of all things, and that’s why we must take care of our planet.” — Isabel, age 11

The group of children believes that with each item they create, they send a message that the world is worth protecting and that change begins with small acts of care.

Now, their initiative has inspired ripple effects throughout the community. Their local church is busy organizing beach cleanups, educational talks and workshops on responsible waste management. The group’s simple act of care is changing their community, creating a ripple effect that just might change the world.

“We might be kids, but we can make a difference. If we can teach one person to care for nature, they will teach another, and together we can change the world.” — Jinsop, age 12

Just like these children in Ecuador, you can make a difference in the world by just saying yes to the opportunities around you. Pray for someone. Share the gospel. Perform a random act of kindness. You never know the light you might bring to the lives of others.