Finding God in Everyday Moments: How Kindness and Connection Shape Our Beliefs

The other day, a child asked me a question that caught me off guard: “Who is God?” He was certain God existed but wasn’t sure who God really was. I hesitated. I worried if I could do justice to his curiosity, especially since I have struggled with my own beliefs and questions about God for years. I have often found myself without clear answers, caught in a web of doubt and wonder.

So, I told him something simple: God could be anyone. Anyone who comes to your rescue when you need help the most. It might be the kind stranger who offers a hand when you feel lost. It could be the person who smiles at you during a tough commute, silently acknowledging your struggle. Or it might be a long-lost friend who reappears just to remind you that you once gave them hope, and now their words give you courage.

This idea has stayed with me. It made me realize that maybe God is not just a distant figure but something we experience through kindness and connection in everyday life.

The Struggle to Understand God

Many people wrestle with their beliefs about God. It’s common to feel unsure, confused, or even frustrated when answers don’t come easily. I have been there myself. Sometimes, the questions feel bigger than the answers, and faith can seem fragile.

When a child asks such a profound question, it reminds us how natural it is to seek understanding. Children see the world with fresh eyes, unburdened by doubt or complex theology. Their curiosity is pure and honest. But adults often carry layers of experience, pain, and uncertainty that complicate belief.

If you have ever felt this way, you are not alone. Doubt does not mean failure. It means you are thinking deeply about what matters most.

Seeing God in Acts of Kindness

One way I have found to connect with the idea of God is through kindness. When someone helps you without expecting anything in return, it feels like a spark of something greater. That moment of compassion can feel sacred.

Think about a time when a stranger showed you unexpected kindness. Maybe they helped you carry groceries, gave you directions when you were lost, or simply smiled when you needed it most. Those moments can feel like a glimpse of God’s presence.

Kindness reminds us that we are not alone. It shows that goodness exists in the world, even when life feels hard. It can be a quiet, powerful way to experience faith without words or rituals.

Connection as a Reflection of God

Connection with others also shapes how many of us understand God. When someone listens to your story, shares your pain, or celebrates your joy, it creates a bond that feels meaningful and real.

I remember a friend who reached out during a difficult time. Their words gave me strength when I felt weak. Later, that same friend told me that I had once been their source of hope. This exchange of support felt like a living example of God’s love—something shared between people, not just a distant idea.

Our relationships can be a mirror reflecting the divine qualities we seek: love, mercy, forgiveness, and hope. When we connect deeply with others, we touch something sacred.

A peaceful park bench under a large tree, inviting quiet reflection

This quiet park bench invites moments of reflection, where one can find peace and perhaps a sense of the divine in everyday surroundings.

Finding God in Unexpected Places

God does not always appear in grand or obvious ways. Sometimes, God shows up in the small, unexpected moments that catch us by surprise.

It could be the comforting words of a stranger on a difficult day. It might be the laughter shared with a friend after a long silence. Or the feeling of awe when watching a sunset or hearing a song that touches your heart.

These moments remind us that God can be found in the ordinary, in the here and now. They encourage us to stay open and attentive to the world around us.

Embracing Doubt as Part of the Journey

Struggling with belief is part of many people’s spiritual journey. Doubt can be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to growth and deeper understanding.

Instead of fearing doubt, we can welcome it as a sign that we are searching honestly. Questions can open doors to new insights and experiences.

If you feel unsure about God, try to be gentle with yourself. Explore your feelings, talk with others, and look for moments of kindness and connection that resonate with you. These experiences can be a bridge to faith, even when words fail.

How to Nurture Your Sense of God in Daily Life

Here are some simple ways to notice and nurture the presence of God through kindness and connection:

• Pay attention to small acts of kindness around you, whether you are giving or receiving them.

• Reach out to someone who might need support. Your presence can be a source of hope.

• Create moments of quiet reflection in nature or a peaceful space to listen to your thoughts and feelings.

• Share your story with a trusted friend and listen to theirs. Connection builds understanding.

• Practice gratitude for the people and moments that bring light into your life.

  
  

These steps can help you feel more connected to something larger than yourself, even if you don’t have all the answers.

Belief in God is a deeply personal experience that can change over time. For me, seeing God in everyday acts of kindness and connection has brought comfort and meaning. It reminds me that faith is not about certainty but about openness to the good we find in others and ourselves.

If you are struggling with your beliefs, remember that you are not alone. Sometimes, God is not a distant figure but the hand that reaches out to you when you need it most. Keep looking for those moments. They might just change how you see the world—and yourself.